The Manx Litfest team is all set to take the Crossroads Care Charity Shop Challenge this Saturday (April 30) at the charity’s Prospect Terrace branch.

Manx Litfest is competing against other teams to raise as much money as possible in a single day, while also increasing the profile of the literary festival itself, which this year takes place from September 27 to October 2.

The team will be manning the shop and selling quality second hand clothes, goods and, of course, books on Saturday from 10.00am and 5.00pm. There will be the chance to enter a competition on the day, and the team will be on hand to answer questions about the authors who are attending this year – which include bestselling ‘Queen of Crime’ Martina Cole, Sally Gardner, and performance poet Hollie McNish.

Festival Director John Quirk said: ‘It promises to be a fantastic day at Crossroads Care – each charity taking part in the challenge has its own day to “take over” the shop and promote itself. Working with Crossroads gives us the opportunity to raise funds to complement the support we receive from our fantastic sponsors, while also raising general awareness of the Festival which is now in its fifth year.’

Manx Litfest 2015 proved to be the most successful festival since it started in 2012, with visiting authors including Alan Johnson MP, Joanne Harris, Matthew Kneale and Darren Shan.

It featured 25 school visits, illustration workshops for adults and children, an Enid Blyton-themed family day at Mooragh Park, a celebration of the life and work of legendary Manx screenwriter Nigel Kneale, a poetry slam and short story slam, and the unveiling of the first ever living Manx Bard, Stacey Astill. Around 4,000 people attended events during the festival.

Manx Litfest is a registered charity (#1100) and receives support from Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin, along with sponsorship from a range of companies, organisations and individuals.

John added: ‘We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to sponsor the festival, either with general help, or by supporting a specific event. We are happy to meet to explain what the Festival can offer – just drop us a line at manxlitfest@gmail.com.’

Full details about this year’s festival will be available at www.manxlitfest.com in due course.