The Book Festival Team
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Wayne Herbert
Director
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Wayne has been involved with the festival from the beginning. In 2019 he stepped up to become one of the festival directors. He now curates the festival and is also responsible for fundraising and community engagement. He has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Kent and is working on a novel. Wayne says ‘I believe passionately that everyone should have access to the written word and whether that’s as a writer or reader it’s so important for our wellbeing. Writing and reading are fundamental to our everyday lives and provide the perfect canvas to escape. I want the festival to reach all of our community and I believe there is a part for everyone to play.’
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Isabel Sargent
Director
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Isabel had a long career at the BBC before leaving to set up her own glassmaking business in Hastings. She first became involved with the Book Festival in 2019 as a volunteer, and in 2020 she joined the steering committee to oversee the technical requirements of the events. Now, as Director, she is largely dealing with the public-facing aspects of the festival – ensuring that the experience of every single festival guest is as good as it possibly can be. “This is a great festival and is getting better each year. Whether you’re a writer, a keen reader or just interested in the written word, there really is something in our programme for everyone.”