Frequently Asked Questions
How to have a BRILLIANT day at the IW Story Festival
The festival organisers and Quay Arts are 100% committed to making sure you have an amazing time during your visit to the IW Story Festival. Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you.
Where can I buy a ticket?
From the Quay Arts Centre website
Book in person
Pop into Quay Arts at 15 Sea Street, Newport Harbour, Isle of Wight PO30 5BD or call the box office on 01983 822490.
We do expect all children under the age of 12 to be accompanied by an adult. This means that adults will need to get a ticket too, exactly as if you were going to the cinema, unless otherwise stated. Tickets for some events will be free - it's just a way to make sure we don't exceed capacity for events. Check the individual session on Quay Arts website for further information. We cannot take responsibility for unsupervised children so please don’t drop them off and leave.
Age Guidelines
Our age guidelines are usually based on the reading age of the book, but you know your kids better than we do, so if you think they’ll enjoy the event, we’re happy! Please note though, that some of the theatre productions sometimes have challenging themes, and would not be suitable for children under the guideline age.
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from £4 per person, but there are free things to do as well.
Duration
Our events differ in duration from 45 minutes for most authors, to 2 hours for ticketed workshops. Sessions linked to a book will be followed by a book signing, so be prepared and buy your book from Medina Book shop early.
Will I be able to get a book signed?
Yes – authors LOVE signing books. There will be a designated book signing table, and you can go there after you have seen your author talk.
Can I buy books there?
Yes, our friends at Medina Books, Cowes will be there with a pop-up shop. Buy your books on the day. Or if you want to be organised, you can order your book through Medina Books and pick it up in the Cowes shop.
Can I get food and drink?
Yes, the cafe will be providing a special IW Story Festival menu.
Is there any parking?
Yes, there are two car parks next to Quay Arts Centre.
Can I get there by bus?
Yes, buses travel from all over the island to Newport Bus Station, and that is just a five minute walk from Quay Arts Centre.
Does the Quay Arts Centre allow dogs?
Yes, they allow dogs, but we would ask they remain outside the individual sessions.
Access
Everyone is welcome at the IW Story Festival. Assistance animals too! All areas downstairs are wheelchair accessible, and there is a lift up to the upstairs rooms. There are disabled loos on both floors. Let us know beforehand and we’ll do our best to arrange priority seating for you.
Lost Property
If you’ve lost anything, please ask at the IWSF help desk in the cafe, and report it to Quay Arts box office/shop too.
Please remember: All the information in the programme is correct at the time of printing. We would not cancel an event or switch a venue unless it was absolutely necessary but our authors and artists are real people, just like us, and sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances we do need to cancel or substitute an event. We are grateful for your understanding.
Where is Quay Arts Centre?