…on Thursday to Sunday, 19-22 November 2026.
Tickets go on sale at the end of this month: 31 August 2026.
The town that inspired Dracula is once again gathering some of the biggest names in books. After last year’s debut, the festival returns with over 50 events across four days. Packed with bestselling novelists, broadcasters, historians, poets and performers, Whitby Lit Fest is set against the abbey ruins and cobbled streets of Britain’s most famous gothic seaside town.
Headliners include:
John Boyne — the author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (11 million copies sold) discusses his new novel The Weight of Angels with Steph McGovern.
Si King — the Hairy Biker serves up his first solo cookbook, Proper Home Cooking.
Ann Cleeves — the creator of Vera and Shetland leads a crime wave that includes Mark Billingham and Elly Griffiths.
Also on the bill: gothic fiction and folk horror from Joanne Harris and Laura Purcell • Louise Minchin, Dr Sian Williams and Alex Thomson • Greta Scacchi on the books behind her screen career • Matt Baker on page-to-screen with David Quantick • theatre curated by Sir Alan Ayckbourn • a family event with Grammy-winner Corinne Bailey Rae • poetry, live music, workshops and publishing masterclasses.
“Four days crammed with gripping stories, sparky conversations and revealing interviews. Entertainment, inspiration, wit, wisdom — and fish and chips. What more could any book lover want?”
— Kate Fenton, Festival Patron
Whitby Lit Fest is now a registered charity. If you’d like to support the festival, sponsorship opportunities are available via our website. We are also accepting donations from individuals via Stripe. Click here to donate.
Whitby Writers Group 