Meet our trustees
Isabel
Isabel has performed with Apples and Snakes; Global Fusion Music & Arts; at Shakespeare & Co in Paris; in Rotterdam; at Brighton Festival Fringe, Keats Festival, London Jazz Festival, local festivals in and around London, in Bristol, Chichester, Guildford, Hastings, Manchester, Margate, Oxford, Portsmouth, Reading, Swansea. She was runner-up in the 2013 and 2017 BBC Radio 3 Proms Poetry Competitions, a finalist in nine other competitions, and shortlisted for the 2017 Bridport Prize.
A keen writer, Isabel has been poet-in-residence at First Stop in Darlington, Platform-7 in Margate and London, Urban Photofest at Goldsmiths London, and for the St Bride Foundation. Her work continues with collaborations with Oxford, Sussex and Lancaster universities on initiatives funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council. With three full collections and a pamphlet to her name, Isabel’s poetry and short stories have been widely published by the BBC and in 17 books and journals to date.
Isabel founded poetry performance collective www.alarms and excursions.com in 2009 to produce and direct provocations on a variety of topics.
Laura
Laura is a mum of two girls who loves reading, writing, theatre and travelling.
Following her time at University (where she studied English Literature and Performing Arts) she worked as a journalist, before moving into PR and Marketing.
Laura presents a talk show on Sunshine Hospital Radio, in Weston Hospital, and also volunteers for the Hospital Broadcasting Association. Hospital Radio is a real passion of hers. She is also writing her first novel, which has been a real labour of love, and hopes to have it finished soon!
Judy
Judy is an author and art-lover who moved from Bristol to Clevedon in late 2023. She has had three collections of short fiction published. A prolific writer of short and flash fiction, she has written numerous short stories inspired by the town’s coastal setting. Judy became involved in Clevedon LitFest almost immediately, co-judging the Flash Fiction Award each year since her arrival in the North Somerset town and volunteering at festival events. She became a LitFest Trustee in early 2026.
Paul
Paul is a father of four, primary school teacher and poet. He grew up in Cornwall and now resides in North Somerset. Paul has had work published in a variety of places including Black Nore, Dreich Magazine, The Frogmore Papers, Ink, Sweat & Tears, Morning Star, Obsessed with Pipework and Orbis. His debut pamphlet 'In the Shadows' was published in September 2024. Paul became a LitFest Trustee in early 2024.
Chrissey
Chrissey Harrison is an author, crafter and graphic designer based in Clevedon. She writes books about monsters, magic, action and adventure, and fragile human characters trying to muddle through as best they can.
She has been involved with Clevedon Litfest since 2023, contributing to programming and marketing for the 2024 Summer Festival and developing new features for Celebration of the Book. She is passionate about providing support to local authors, artists and makers and providing opportunities that nurture and encourage grassroots talent and creativity.
Jane
Jane has recently joined Clevedon Litfest as a Trustee, having been a volunteer and enthusiastic supporter over the past few years. She is a lifelong scribbler and, after a few writing competition successes, has been encouraged to write more. She started a book group which has been running for more than 30 years, loves to paint and is an amateur singer and retired piano teacher, so can legitimately call herself a “creative”. Jane loves the ethos behind Litfest and is excited to be part of a great team of volunteers bringing themed cultural events to Clevedon and the surrounding area.
Jeff
Jeff Lightly - Treasurer