Whitby. A dramatic coastal town with an undying literary legacy.
It was long overdue its very own literary festival, with its atmospheric backdrop and iconic connection to Bram Stoker, whose tale of Dracula has shaped our cultural landscape.
Around 60 authors clambered its cobbled streets and climbed its stone steps, buoyed by the sea air, gothic legacy, and beguiling back-drop of Whitby Abbey.
For four unforgettable days, audiences were inspired and entertained.
Anchoring in Whitby
The festival was a resounding success, with authors and readers alike praising the warmth, good nature and down-to-earth friendliness of the event, matched with a high-class programme of events.
Whitby Lit Fest – Bringing the Big Names
Headline acts including Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Lee Child, Miriam Margolyes, Rob Rinder, Shaun Usher, Steph McGovern, and Emma Carroll.
From the blockbuster appeal of Lee Child’s Reacher, the hilarity and heart of Miriam Margolyes, the acerbic wit of Rob Rinder delving into the lives of the Mitford sisters, to a very special Diaries Live with Shaun Usher (and actors Ace Bhatti and Miriam), to one of the UK’s leading playwrights, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, it was an incredibly ambitious line-up.
A Local Team with Big Heart
The backbone of this festival is the people who gave it life: the festival committee.
Lois, the business owner behind the idea, whose fish-and-chip-shop-turned-festival-HQ shows big vision with local roots. Fiona at Whitby Bookshop, helping with author liaison and tapping into local literary insight. Adele from North Yorkshire Libraries, co-ordinating school events, and a children’s writing competition.
Jamie from North Yorkshire Council and Mark from English Heritage, linking venues, budgets, and risk assessments. Jack led on design, ticketing, website, and tech.
At Cause UK, we were proud to help programme and promote the first Whitby Lit Fest, as well as provide author liaison during the event.
Results Worth Talking About
The feedback says it best:
“A beautiful spot on the Yorkshire coast, immaculate organisation … It was a triumph.” – Lee Child
“One of the best weekends ever. Gorgeous town, fascinating events … I’m definitely returning next year…Joyous. Uplifting. Beautiful.” – Miriam Margolyes
“The festival clearly struck a chord … testament to the care and effort your team have clearly put in.” – Sharron Cooper
And beyond the feel-good reviews, Cause UK achieved 114 pieces of media coverage, with an audience reach of over 500 million. Press stories that ranged from author-interviews in the Yorkshire Post to front-page coverage in The Express, with the event filmed by BBC Look North, and featuring in national magazines such as Coast, Marie Claire and Condé Nast Traveller magazine.
Whitby Lit Fest – A Legacy
This festival is more than an event—it’s an example of how culture can be transformative – how place, story and community can come together.
Cause and Effect PR
Working alongside the festival was a privilege.
We’re proud to have played a part in a festival that is already making waves. We believe regional towns and audiences in the North deserve high-level culture, and the transformative opportunities it can bring.
If you’re seeking support for a literature festival, programme of events, or cultural activity, get in touch to see how Cause UK and Effect can help.
