Whitby Lit Fest Promotional Assets
Please use the resources below to help you put together blog posts, social media posts and information for your guests.
Blog Post
Feel free to post this exactly as it is, or tweak it to highlight your favorite authors or events. Please include a link to whitbylitfest.org.uk or a specific event which you can find on the website.
Whitby Lit Fest – A Literary Celebration by the Sea
Whitby is set to welcome book lovers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from across the country as it hosts its very first Whitby Lit Fest from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 November. This inaugural festival promises a weekend full of storytelling, conversation, and celebration of literature in all its forms, with more than 50 authors and literary figures taking part in events across the town.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
The festival boasts a remarkable line-up of bestselling authors, celebrated playwrights, and household names, including:
- Lee Child – The iconic crime writer behind the Jack Reacher novels will discuss his 30th Reacher book, Exit Strategy, as well as his autobiographical essays in Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories, in conversation with author and TV personality Rob Rinder.
- Sir Alan Ayckbourn – The Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright will share insights into his craft with Kate Fenton, festival patron and former BBC Radio 4 producer.
- Miriam Margolyes – The BAFTA-winning actress brings her latest book, The Little Book of Miriam, and will be joined by Lucinda Hawksley, historian and Charles Dickens’ descendant, for an intimate discussion.
Other highlights include Shaun Usher discussing Diaries of Note, Steph McGovern talking about her crime thriller Deadline, and former Blue Peter presenter Yvette Fielding hosting a children’s event inspired by her book, The Vampire of Whitby.
Celebrating Local and National Talent
Whitby Lit Fest will shine a spotlight on local authors and stories set in the town:
- Paul Magrs will discuss his Brenda and Effie Mystery series, set against the backdrop of Whitby, in conversation.
- Local author Amanda Mason explores ghostly tales in The Hiding Place and will be joined by Essie Fox to discuss her gothic novel Dangerous: A Lord Byron Mystery.
- Emma Carroll, acclaimed children’s author, brings her brand-new book, Dracula’s Daughters, for young readers.
The festival also celebrates Whitby’s literary legacy, with talks and panels on historical figures, forgotten women in history, the Mitford sisters, and even a special nod to the Brontë family’s influence. Music, poetry, and creative workshops will complement the talks, offering something for every age and interest.
Why Whitby?
Lois Kirtlan, Committee Chair of Whitby Lit Fest, explains:
“From the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey to its rich history of storytelling, Whitby is ripe for its own literary festival. The coastal town is famed for its dramatic coastline, gothic heritage, and literary ties to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s a fitting backdrop to inspire authors and book lovers alike. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to experience Whitby, and there can’t be anything better than escaping to the seaside with the promise of a good book, fish and chips, and meeting like-minded people.”
Plan Your Visit
With events spread across Whitby’s charming venues, the festival is the perfect excuse to explore the town’s historic streets, sample local seafood, and enjoy the dramatic East Coast scenery. Whether you’re a crime fiction fan, a lover of poetry, or simply looking for a weekend escape by the sea, Whitby Lit Fest offers a literary experience like no other.
Social Media Posts
We’ve put together a selection of 5 social media posts which you may wish to use to promote the festival to your followers. Feel free to use them as they are, or adjust them to include the events and authors you’re most looking forward to. Please remember to accompany your post with a suitable image (see below for links to Dropbox folders containing relevant images).
When posting on social media, please tag the official Whitby Lit Fest accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/whitby_lit_fest/
https://www.facebook.com/WhitbyLitFest/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitby-lit-fest/
We’re also beginning to use YouTube and you may find author videos and other video resources here soon:
https://www.youtube.com/@whitbylitfest/
Post 1 – The Big Announcement
📚✨ Something exciting is coming to Whitby this autumn!
From 6–9 November, our town will host the first ever Whitby Lit Fest – a celebration of stories, ideas, and creativity.
With more than 50 authors and speakers, the line-up includes household names such as:
⭐ Lee Child
⭐ Miriam Margolyes
⭐ Sir Alan Ayckbourn
⭐ Rob Rinder
⭐ Steph McGovern
Tickets are available via the official website: whitbylitfest.org.uk
📖 The perfect excuse for a seaside escape filled with books, conversation, and a little Whitby magic.
#WhitbyLitFest #Whitby #YorkshireCoast #BookFestival
Post 2 – Star Names Spotlight
Whitby’s first literary festival has pulled together an incredible line-up. 🎉
✨ Crime-writing icon Lee Child discussing his 30th Jack Reacher book.
✨ National treasure Miriam Margolyes in conversation with Charles Dickens’ great-great-great granddaughter.
✨ Playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn, bringing humour and insight to the stage.
✨ TV favourite Steph McGovern on her debut thriller.
📅 6–9 November – venues across Whitby.
🎟️ Tickets on sale 5 August.
📚 Don’t miss your chance to see these stars right here on the Yorkshire Coast!
#WhitbyLitFest #WhitbyEvents #BookLovers #JackReacher
Post 3 – Local Pride & Place
Why Whitby? 🏰🌊
As Lois Kirtlan, Whitby Lit Fest Chair, says: “From the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey to its rich history of storytelling, Whitby is ripe for its own literary festival… There can’t be anything better than escaping to the seaside with a good book, fish and chips, and like-minded people.”
📖 Whitby Lit Fest is more than a festival – it’s a celebration of our town’s gothic heritage, dramatic coastline, and long tradition of inspiring writers.
📅 Join us 6–9 November for talks, workshops, music, poetry, and more.
#Whitby #LitFest #Dracula #YorkshireCoast #LiteraryFestival
Post 4 – Family Friendly
Something for all ages at Whitby Lit Fest 👨👩👧📚
✨ Children’s author Emma Carroll brings her brand-new book Dracula’s Daughters to Whitby.
✨ Yvette Fielding (Most Haunted & Blue Peter) hosts a spooky children’s event with her new story, The Vampire of Whitby.
✨ Creative workshops, author talks, and even a writing competition for local schools supported by The National Literacy Trust.
📅 Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 November.
🎟️ Tickets available now!
Bring the family and let Whitby’s stories inspire the next generation!
#WhitbyLitFest #FamilyFriendly #KidsBooks #YorkshireEvents
Post 5 – Make It a Weekend
🍂 Autumn in Whitby is magical – the sea air, the dramatic skies, and now the first ever Whitby Lit Fest.
📅 6–9 November – four days of authors, storytellers, poets, and musicians in venues across town.
It’s the perfect excuse for a seaside getaway:
📚 Inspiring talks & performances
🐟 Fresh fish & chips
🏖️ Brisk coastal walks
☕ Cosy pubs & cafés
🎟️ Tickets on sale now via the festival website
Why not plan your stay and make a weekend of it?
#WhitbyLitFest #VisitWhitby #YorkshireCoast #BookFestival
Image Resources
Please click on the links below to open the Dropbox folders containing various photos and logo files which you can use to promote the festival:
Logos and stock images of Whitby:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/emc7hj14n8w0pofskz22h/AIsyNJYDdgfeSfs1mKn9g-w?rlkey=i3ug5uqe9zxywvaydeqopvktb&st=a12vggja&dl=0
Photos of authors:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/x1vuyutiphigtutu59bjh/AL3V5P74nekRAr-aLLpOQyw?rlkey=tmldaslriu5w3fipcp8unqzw6&e=1&st=6gyvvw64&dl=0