Whitby Lit Fest to return following successful first event

Whitby Lit Fest will take place from November 19 to 22, 2026, after attracting an estimated 1,500 visitors during its first event this past weekend.

The inaugural festival, which was held from November 6 to 9, featured 60 authors across 40 events and was described by Sir Alan Ayckbourn as "amazingly ambitious."

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Notable guests included Lee Child, Rob Rinder, Steph McGovern, Yvette Fielding, and Miriam Margolyes OBE - who said that she was 'dying to return for Whitby LitFest No 2' after spending three days in the town.

Lois Kirtlan, chair of the festival committee, said: "The Lit Fest has been an incredible success.

"The responses we’ve received from our authors and attendees have been overwhelmingly positive.

It wouldn't be Whitby without Dracula! (Image: David Kirtlan)

"Many of the authors want to return to another Whitby Lit Fest. I am so proud of everything we have achieved in our very first year."

Festival patron Kate Fenton added: "Huge, enthusiastic audiences, smart work by festival committee – and the most enormous fun. It was my great pleasure to be a part of it."

The festival also featured a children’s writing competition organised by committee member Adele Duffield, which received 140 entries from local schools.

Lois Kirtlan, committee chair and owner of local business Hetty & Betty, with Whitby Town Mayor Sandra Turner (Image: David Kirtlan)

Sandra Turner, mayor of Whitby, said: "This event has been a huge success. The positivity surrounding the event has been contagious.

"There was such a wonderful atmosphere throughout the four days."