Whitby, a town steeped in gothic charm and literary heritage, is set to welcome book lovers, authors, and storytellers for the inaugural Whitby Lit Fest, taking place from 6 to 9 November 2025.
This four-day event promises to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, with an exceptional line-up of renowned writers, playwrights, poets, and other creative voices.
Tickets for this extraordinary celebration of the written word are available starting 5 August 2025 on the official festival website, Whitby Lit Fest – Inspired by and Celebrating Whitby. Whether you’re planning to attend engaging talks, participate in creative workshops, or revel in live performances, this festival promises something for every literary enthusiast.
The Whitby Lit Fest has pulled together a stellar roster of authors and creators who will share their work and insights over the long weekend. Attendees will get to see some of the most celebrated names across various genres and media, with more than 50 authors featured on the programme.
Bestselling author Lee Child, the creator of the iconic Jack Reacher series, will headline the festival. Lee will discuss his new thriller, Exit Strategy, along with his autobiographical work, Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories. Joining him in conversation will be Rob Rinder, the barrister-turned-author and TV personality, whose crime novels are inspired by his courtroom experiences.
The always-entertaining Miriam Margolyes takes the stage to share stories from her latest work, The Little Book of Miriam. She’ll explore her literary passion for Charles Dickens with Lucinda Hawksley, a direct descendant of the famed novelist, who will also host an author dinner at one of Whitby’s iconic inns.
Sir Alan Ayckbourn, one of the UK’s most celebrated playwrights, will discuss his remarkable career in theatre with festival patron Kate Fenton. Known for his time at the Scarborough-based Stephen Joseph Theatre, Sir Alan will provide insights into his creative process.
Local author Rob Cowen will explore the beauty of North Yorkshire’s rugged landscapes in his acclaimed book The North Road. Meanwhile, gothic vibes will permeate settings as authors Amanda Mason and Essie Fox discuss their spine-tingling novels tied to Whitby’s mysterious aura.
Former Blue Peter presenter and self-proclaimed “Scream Queen” Yvette Fielding will host a children’s event inspired by her latest book, The Vampire of Whitby. For fans of her ghost-hunting on TV’s Most Haunted, her talk promises to intrigue and entertain.
Whitby’s role in inspiring generations of writers comes to life through a special session featuring Paul Magrs, author of the supernatural Brenda and Effie series, alongside TV producer Barry Ryan. A celebration of Bram Stoker’s Dracula legacy will also form a distinctive undercurrent across multiple events.
The festival’s interactive activities promise plenty of hands-on fun. Budding writers can attend workshops, poetry readings, and storytelling sessions tailored for different age groups. Highlights include a children’s poetry and short story writing competition conducted with the support of the National Literacy Trust.
For lovers of lyricism, Whitby Lit Fest offers a rich schedule of poetry showcases. Local poets like Wendy Pratt and Bob Beagrie will share their work alongside musical adaptations of literary classics by Between the Covers and Amy Jeffs, whose artistry brings books to life through song.
With its hauntingly beautiful coastline, gothic abbey ruins, and close connections to literary history, Whitby provides the perfect setting for a literary festival. Most famously tied to Dracula, Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, the town has also inspired countless other works rooted in its dramatic landscape and atmosphere.
Lois Kirtlan, Committee Chair of the festival, captures its essence perfectly, stating, “From the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey to its rich history of storytelling, Whitby is ripe for its own literary festival. We’re really proud of the incredible line-up we’ve secured and can’t wait to give everyone a warm Whitby welcome.”
The festival is also well-timed for visitors to experience Whitby in autumn, when its picturesque setting and cosy atmosphere offer the perfect backdrop to escape into great stories with like-minded book lovers.
Dates: Thursday 6 November to Sunday 9 November 2025
Tickets: Available now on the official website, Whitby Lit Fest – Inspired by and Celebrating Whitby starting 5 August. Early booking is strongly recommended due to high demand.
Events will be hosted across multiple charming venues throughout the town, including historic inns, museums, and theatres. With its coastal beauty, literary history, and an atmosphere that embraces the arts, Whitby is the place to be this November.
The Whitby Lit Fest is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of the power of words and the community that storytelling creates. Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring author, or simply looking to immerse yourself in a world of creativity, this event is unmissable.
Plan your visit today and get ready to lose yourself in captivating tales, meet literary icons, and explore the unique charm of Whitby—a town where the story is always unfolding.