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 unveils star-studded programme
John Boyne, Ann Cleeves, Si King, Joanne Harris, Mark Billingham, Greta Scacchi, Corinne Bailey Rae and Dr Sian Williams are heading to Whitby
Whitby Lit Fest 2026
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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