Whitby Lit Fest 2026

About

Whitby Lit Fest brings over fifty author events to North Yorkshire, celebrating a broad spectrum of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting in the historic coastal town.

Date & Time

19–22 November 2026

Location

Various venues across the town of Whitby, North Yorkshire

Why Visit?

Set against Whitby’s dramatic coastline and gothic heritage, the four-day festival offers book lovers an engaging programme of author interviews, panel discussions, and workshops. Visitors can hear first-hand from bestselling novelists, celebrated broadcasters, historians, and screenwriters while discovering new writing talent and exploring the rich cultural history of the area.

Event Highlights

• Headline talks from bestselling authors and broadcasters, including John Boyne, Steph McGovern, Ann Cleeves, and Si King.
• Discussions celebrating gothic literature, ghost stories, and folk horror from writers including Joanne Harris and Laura Purcell.
• Family-friendly sessions and youth writing showcases, featuring singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae and dinosaur coast explorations.
• Creative writing workshops and publishing masterclasses hosted with leading independent presses.
• Live theatrical performances and poetry readings scheduled across the town.

Admission

Tickets on sale from 31 August 2026 – see event website for details

Plan Your Visit

Festival events are hosted at various venues situated throughout Whitby. Visitors should consult individual event schedules for specific locations and travel arrangements across the town.