Whitby Lit Fest is testament to the remarkable things driven, authentic and passionate people achieve: Over 60 authors and 50 events in venues across the coastal town over four epic, unforgettable days in November.
It all began, as all things do, with a story – one told by a certain Bram Stoker. Dracula has shaped our cultural landscape, and left a remarkable legacy for the coastal town that inspired the Gothic tale. It speaks of the incredible power a book can have.
We saw the power of books in action across the inaugural festival.
“Ann and Clair have been fabulous in helping us get our first Literature Festival off the ground. Their knowledge, expertise, and willingness to go the extra mile has filled our team with confidence and we will definitely be working with them again.” – Adele Duffield, North Yorkshire Libraries
Cause and Effect Whitby
Clair and I have worked on literary projects, festivals, and charity campaigns for 15 years. It was a huge privilege then to help programme and promote Whitby’s first literary festival.
The Authors who made the journey to Whitby
We are forever thankful to Lee Child for being the first to say ‘sure’ in his customarily too-cool-for-school manner. And to Miriam Margolyes, who said yes as a much-loved friend, happy to support Clair, me, and Lucinda Hawksley – we all worked together on a Dickens’ Festival Clair ran for some years in Malton.
Miriam brought true star power – being stopped for selfies everywhere she went – along with her trademark warmth, humour, and heart. We love her.
Rob Rinder injected wit, joy, and intellect in a remarkable conversation with Lee Child, as well as a bespoke event on the Mitford sisters – a panel Clair (also a Mitford fan) first mooted to Mitford’s obsessive Leticia Lentini as soon as we were tasked with working on the festival. Clair also secured the final event, which was a true honour for the festival – Sir Alan Aykbourn interviewed by Patron, Kate Fenton. It was inspiring, heartwarming, and wonderful.
Lee Child – a true literary star – left audiences in awe. Despite global success, all found him to be gracious, principled, and hard-working. All who meet him are smitten.
There are too many authors to thank individually, but we are thankful to each and every one of them.
The Committee
It was a joy to work with such a dedicated, conscientious, and lovely festival committee – Lois, Fiona, Adele, James, Mark, Jack – who brought the exact mix of skills and personalities required.
Lois came up with the idea of a festival, and oversaw its delivery. As a business-owner running Hetty and Betty (which was also the festival HQ – how many festivals operate from a fish and chip restaurant?), Lois was organised, efficient, and got things done.
Lovely Fiona, who runs Whitby Bookshop, supported the programming, author liaison and organised all the book signings bringing local literary insights and knowledge.
Adele, who works at North Yorkshire Libraries, programmed the school events and organised the children’s writing competition, with dedication and expertise.
Jamie, who works at North Yorkshire Council, helped co-ordinate venues, budgets and finances.
Mark, who works for English Heritage looking after the iconic Whitby Abbey, kept all safe, overseeing policies, procedures, and risk assessments, plus organised the brilliant volunteers.
The super talented Jack designed the logo, programme and printed media, ran the tickets sales, website, and tech for the entire festival.
Festival patron, the former Radio 4 producer Kate Fenton, delivered remarkable, funny oratory introducing and chairing events, and bringing an effervescent, infectious, unflappable enthusiasm.
All worked like crazy across the weekend, in high-res jackets with clipboards.
Our whole team are incredible thankful to each and every author who said yes, and brought such warmth, fun, joy, and inspiration to audiences.
Author Feedback
Here’s some of the feedback we’ve had from our authors, and the festival is undertaking an audience survey, to hear their views, so next year can be even bigger and better!
“The inaugural Whitby Literary Festival in 2025 was a delight from an author’s point of view – a beautiful spot on the Yorkshire coast, immaculate organization, everything within easy walking distance, and passionate and engaged audiences. It was a triumph, and I hope it repeats for many, many years to come.” – Lee Child
“One of the best weekends ever. It was utterly wonderful. Gorgeous town, fascinating events, and people (Lee Child, Lucinda Hawksley, Shaun Usher, Rob Rinder, Sir Alan Ayckbourn to name a few). Lovely hotel – Bagdale Hall, fabulous jet shopping (EBOR Jetworks) brilliant organisation by local Committee and Cause. I’m definitely returning next year…Joyous. Uplifting. Beautiful. Richness unparalleled!” – Miriam Margolyes
“Whitby Lit Fest was a joy; thoughtful, generous, and full of heart. A real celebration of words and ideas by the sea.” – Rob Rinder
“Everyone I spoke to whilst in Whitby had nothing but praise for the festival and I think it’s extraordinary what was achieved considering this was the first festival. The only problem I foresee is setting such a high bar set for next year!” – Simon Murgatroyd, Alan Ayckbourn’s Archivist
“It was such a wonderful festival, definitely up there with one of the best lit fests I’ve ever done…My first ever time in Whitby, but definitely not my last. What a fabulous place – made even more so by all the lovely people we met. That lit fest has superb volunteers and staff. Thank you to everyone who made it such a great success.” – Lucinda Hawksley.
“This was an inaugural event in a difficult-to-get-to location but you enticed lots of writers and performers – many of them big stars – to collaborate in this fabulous venture. I heard such a lot of terrific feedback – genuinely. People loved it. Yet again, you achieved miracles.” – Gavin Collinson
“I thoroughly enjoyed the event you organised for Rob Stepney and I and would like to thank everyone involved in its organisation. I am back home in Wales now, mulling over the lovely memories you all helped me create. Thank you!” – Kathy Biggs
“I just wanted to email to say a huge, huge thank you for having me at Whitby Lit Fest. I had a wonderful time and all the volunteers/staff I spoke to were lovely. Congratulations again on an amazing festival!” – Jess Kitching
“Sara and I want to say a huge thank you for inviting us to speak yesterday and how wonderful it all felt. The venue, guest and audience were fantastic. The response we received there and through messages since has been incredible. I was dipping in Runswick with women who came to the talk and contacted me after to get together. Such a lovely ripple effect. We are so grateful to you and the team.” – Joanne Moseley
“It was a truly wonderful experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed every session I attended. Beyond the inspiring talks, it was heartwarming to hear fellow attendees sharing their enthusiasm. Everyone seemed genuinely impressed by the smooth organisation and the exceptional calibre of authors you brought together. The festival clearly struck a chord with so many, and it’s a testament to the care and effort your team have clearly put In. Thank you once again for your generosity and for creating such a memorable literary celebration.” – Sharron Cooper, book blogger
“Ann and Clair at Cause and Effect have amply demonstrated their expertise, efficiency and general good-humour. Their hard work and sector-specific contacts have ensured Whitby Lit Fest is having the best start possible, and we look forward to working with them for years to come. Highly recommended.” – Jack Barber, Hello Technology
Whitby in the Media
As well as the programming, Cause UK delivered robust PR, with 114 pieces of media coverage with an audience of over 500M.
Press included author interviews by Ann in the Yorkshire Post and Scarborough News, plus profiles of Steph McGovern in Yours magazine, the front page of Review (The Express) with an interview with Lee Child, and festival features in Coast, The Traveller, and Marie Claire, as well as a film featuring Sir Alan Ackybourn on BBC Look North, plus BBC radio and online stories.
You can view the coverage book here. Whitby Lit Fest | CoverageBook
By Ann Challenor-Chadwick, Director of Cause and Effect
Photo credits: Paul Armstrong of The Artistic Lens and David Kirtlan.