Whitby Lit Festival is delighted to announce the first authors confirmed for its 2026 programme, as the festival returns from 19th–22nd November 2026 after a hugely successful inaugural year
2025.
Cause and Effect PR is delighted to be supporting the programming and PR delivery for the 2026 Whitby Lit Fest again this year. The debut festival exceeded expectations, drawing large audiences, welcoming acclaimed writers, and establishing Whitby as an exciting new destination on the UK’s literary calendar.
Building on the momentum of 2025, organisers promise an exciting and diverse programme for
2026.
The 2026 launch event was held at the Lit Fest HQ, Hetty & Betty, keeping the quirky uniqueness
of the Whitby Lit Fest being the UK’s only Lit Fest with its HQ based in a restaurant famous for the
Fish and Chips Afternoon Tea.
The first announcements for the 2026 programme include Joanne Harris OBE, Dr Sian Williams,
Mark Billingham, and Ann Cleeves, bringing together a diverse range of voices across fiction,
crime writing, and non-fiction. More authors will be announced in the coming months, with the
full programme set to reflect the festival’s commitment to showcasing both bestselling and
emerging talent.
Kate Fenton, Patron of the Whitby Lit Fest, also announced Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE as the new
Honorary Co-Patron. Sir Alan had closed the inaugural 2025 Lit Fest at an “in conversation” event
with Kate Fenton.
During the announcement she read on Sir Alan’s behalf: “I’m delighted to be asked to become Copatron
of this exciting new project. This Festival promises to provide fresh blood to fill the literary
veins of Whitby in a way unequalled since the days of Bram Stoker!”
Whitby Lit Fest Chair, Lois Kirtlan said:“We were delighted by the response and enthusiasm to the
first Whitby Lit Fest in 2025. The energy, enthusiasm, and support from audiences, authors, and the
local community were truly inspiring. For 2026, we’re expanding the programme and are thrilled to
begin announcing what promises to be an exceptional line-up.”
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Whitby’s coastline and historic streets, the festival will once
again host author talks, panel discussions, workshops, book signings, and special events across
multiple venues in the town.
Whitby Lit Festival continues to champion accessibility and inclusivity, aiming to bring readers and
writers together in a welcoming and vibrant cultural celebration.
Tickets and full programme details will be released in summer 2026. Early announcements,
updates, and exclusive content will be available via the festival’s website and social media channels.
Whitby Lit Festival launched in 2025 with the aim of creating a dynamic literary event in one of the
UK’s most atmospheric coastal towns. The festival celebrates books, ideas, and creativity, attracting
audiences from across the country. The Festival is supported by Hetty & Betty; The Whitby
Bookshop; North Yorkshire Council, Cause and Effect Public Relations and Hello Technology.
www.whitbylitfest.org.uk
@whitbyliteraturefestival