Whitby Lit Fest
19th – 22nd November 2026
Whitby’s Literature Festival is a celebration of writing and authors, past and present, in many genres, including novels, short stories, plays and poetry, some of which have been inspired by Whitby along the way.
Many more authors announced!
Whitby Lit Fest Announce Hugh Bonneville as Surprise Headline Guest
Tickets now on sale for four-day festival featuring John Boyne, Ann Cleeves, Joanne Harris, Si King, Greta Scacchi, Corinne Bailey Rae and more.
Whitby Lit Fest 2026
Patron Spotlight – Rob Shearman with Simon Murgatoyd
For the first year, the festival’s Honorary Patron, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, has selected a writer to feature in a Patron Spotlight event.
This year, he has chosen the award-winning writer Robert Shearman, whose work spans theatre, television, radio and fiction. Alongside his acclaimed stage plays, Rob has written for Doctor Who and has received numerous awards for his fantasy fiction.
Inspire. Engage. Connect.
Over 50 author events are scheduled across four days from 19–22 November, featuring bestselling authors, broadcasters, actors, historians, poets and performers.
Headliners include one of the most celebrated and internationally acclaimed novelists of our time, John Boyne, whose The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide. He’ll be discussing his new novel, The Weight of Angels, with broadcaster and novelist, Steph McGovern.
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