Whitby Lit Fest 2026

The town that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and has fired the imaginations of generations of writers is preparing to welcome some of the biggest names in books for the 2026 Whitby Lit Fest.

Over 50 author events are scheduled across four days from 19–22 November, featuring bestselling authors, broadcasters, actors, historians, poets and performers.

Headliners include:

Hugh Bonneville – Star of Downton Abbey and Paddington introduces his latest Children’s book, Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea.

John Boyne – author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas discussing his new novel, The Weight of Angels, with broadcaster and novelist, Steph McGovern.

Si King - Hairy Biker cooks up a storm with his first solo cookbook, Proper Home Cooking, while discussing his remarkable career taking food and friendship on the road.

Louise Minchin - former BBC Breakfast presenter teases her upcoming thriller

Dr Sian Williams - BBC news anchor turned psychologist discusses her book, The Power of Anxiety. 

Peter Oborne - with his latest book, Complicit interviewed by Channel 4 news presenter and award-winning foreign correspondent Alex Thomson.

Ann Cleeves – one of the world’s most successful crime writers and creator of the Vera and Shetlands

Mark Billingham - Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Diamond Dagger winner

Elly Griffiths - Discusses The Case of the Christmas Card.

The festival also welcomes the criminally good Jo Murray, Martin Edwards, and Sarah Hilary.

Also featuring:

- Special family event – with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter with Corinne Bailey Rae.

- An exploration of Yorkshire’s Dinosaur Coast - with geologist Roger Osborne, dinosaur-artist James McKay, horror from Jack Mackay, and Young Adult authors, Naomi Kelsey and Heather Askwith.

- Theatre Performance - from The Hull to Scarborough Line Theatre Company.

- A ‘Patron Spotlight’ - curated by the festival’s Honorary Patron Sir Alan Ayckbourn on the writer, Robert Shearman, playwright at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre.

- Poetry performances, live music, creative writing workshops, and for emerging and aspiring writers there are publishing panels and masterclasses with HarperNorth, Salt Publishing and Valley Press.

Full programme and tickets can be found on the festival website.