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- Whitby Lit Fest 2025 A Coastal Celebration Of Storytelling
Whitby Lit Fest 2025 — A Coastal Celebration of Storytelling
About 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.
Whitby Mission & Seafarers Centre
The Whitby Mission is a community resource for all Whitby inhabitants as… The Whitby Mission is a community resource for all Whitby inhabitants as well as seafarers.
Quayside
Quayside serves up excellent fish and chips, delicious coastal food and a… Quayside serves up excellent fish and chips, delicious coastal food and a fabulous drinks menu right on the harbour in Whitby.
Whitby Museum
Whitby Museum is in beautiful Pannett Park, right in the heart of Whitby.… Whitby Museum is in beautiful Pannett Park, right in the heart of Whitby. It was founded in 1823 and offers a fascinating glimpse of Whitby’s…
Whitby Library
Library with a range of books for all ages in a variety of formats. Also… Library with a range of books for all ages in a variety of formats. Also access to computers, photocopying, printing, scanning, study area and so…
Hetty & Betty
Award winning restaurant and wedding venue, famous for our signature dish,… Award winning restaurant and wedding venue, famous for our signature dish, the Fish and Chips Afternoon Tea.
Eighteen91
Live music venue at site of a historic chapel right in the heart of Whitby… Live music venue at site of a historic chapel right in the heart of Whitby town.
Crafty Cove
Pop up alternative nightclub and safe space. Pop up alternative nightclub and safe space.
Whitby Coliseum
A unique venue on the heart of the town ideal for corporate functions,… A unique venue on the heart of the town ideal for corporate functions, trade fairs, lectures, live entertainment and meetings.
Whitby Spa Pavilion
Whitby Spa Pavilion Complex, nestling into the West Cliff, has wonderful… Whitby Spa Pavilion Complex, nestling into the West Cliff, has wonderful views over the North Sea.
The White Horse & Griffin
One of the oldest buildings on the east side of Whitby. One of the oldest buildings on the east side of Whitby.
Festival events timetable
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