Whitby Lit Fest 2025 — A Coastal Celebration of Storytelling

From 6th to 9th November 2025, the historic seaside town of Whitby, North Yorkshire will host its inaugural literary festival, bringing together over 50 authors, playwrights, poets, and performers for a vibrant long weekend of events, readings, and conversations.

Headline Guests

Lee Child: Discussing his 30th Jack Reacher novel Exit Strategy and memoir Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories, in conversation with Rob Rinder.

Miriam Margolyes: Promoting The Little Book of Miriam, joined by Lucinda Hawksley — Charles Dickens’ great-great-great-granddaughter.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn: Offering insights into his legendary playwriting career.

Steph McGovern: Debuting her crime thriller Deadline with author Anna Mazzola.

Yvette Fielding: Hosting a children’s event around her spooky new book The Vampire of Whitby.

Gothic & Local Flair

Whitby’s literary heritage — from Bram Stoker’s Dracula to local legends — is front and centre.

Events include gothic fiction panels, supernatural stories, and author talks set in iconic Whitby locations like The White Horse and Griffin, where Dickens once stayed.

Beyond the Page

Live music from folk artists like Paul Armfield and Amy Jeffs.

Podcasts recorded live, including the Working Class Library show with Richard Benson and Adelle Stripe.

Panels on topics like the BBC Shipping Forecast, forgotten women in history, and working-class writers.

Children & Community

Workshops and readings for young readers, supported by the National Literacy Trust.

A junior writing competition in collaboration with local schools to discover “tomorrow’s greatest authors”.

Festival Spirit

Organised by a passionate local team led by Lois Kirtlan, the festival is fully funded and supported by Whitby Bookshop, Hetty & Betty, Whitby Library, North Yorkshire Council, and English Heritage.

Tickets are now on sale at whitbylitfest.org.uk.

Whether you're drawn by gothic tales, literary legends, or the charm of Whitby itself, this festival promises a rich blend of culture, creativity, and coastal magic.