Jersey's literary festival on the lookout for new committee chair

Wednesday 27 December 2023

The Jersey Festival of Words is seeking a new committee chair to shape the annual literary event’s future.

Jennifer Bridge MBE is stepping down after nine years in the role, during which the festival has grown in size and success.

Launched in 2015, it has become a popular fixture in the Island's cultural calendar and earned a national reputation for the high quality of its events and the unique appeal of its Jersey setting.

Ms Bridge's successor will help to shape the festival's plans for the future following its most successful year yet. The 2023 programme was expanded to ten days across venues including the Freedom Centre and included speakers like Dame Sheila Hancock and Sir Michael Morpurgo.

Pictured: Sir Michael Morpurgo in the Freedom Centre. (Peter Mourant)

Ms Bridge, who was made an MBE for services to the community in the King's birthday honours list this year, said it had been an "absolute honour" to chair the Festival of Words "from its inception to the present day".

"This change marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with fresh ideas, energy and opportunities for the festival's continued growth and success," she continued.

Organisers are on the lookout for an individual with an established interest in the cultural life and heritage of Jersey and a good knowledge of literature and language in general, as well as leadership qualities, communication skills and a high degree of personal commitment.

INTERESTED?

Further details about the voluntary role and how to apply can be found here.

The deadline for applications is Friday 15 January.

The next edition of the Jersey Festival of Words will be held from 20 to 29 September 2024.

Pictured top: Sheila Hancock at the Jersey Festival of Words this year. (Peter Mourant)