Exciting new chapter as Whitby Lit Fest granted charitable status

The festival, which launched last year, was created to celebrate Whitby’s literary heritage, as well as connect readers to contemporary writers and inspire readers and visitors alike.

The second Whitby Lit Fest takes place from November 19 to 22.

Just announced as headline guest for 2026 is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed novelists of his generation, John Boyne.

Author of 15 novels, Boyne is best known for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which was a New York Times No. 1 bestseller and adapted for film, theatre, opera and ballet, selling more than 11 million copies worldwide.

Among his many international bestsellers are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky, and All the Broken Places.

He’ll be talking about his new book, The Weight of Angels, an “astonishing” reimagining of the life of Oscar Wilde.

Also announced for 2026 are crime authors Elly Griffiths and Sarah Hilary, the Channel 4 style guru, Nicky Hambleton-Jones of 10-Years Younger fame, historian Alistair Moffat with his book, The North Sea, and the debut novelist Helen Bain with her acclaimed book The Daffodil Days, which was a 2026 Harper’s Bazaar book pick.

They join authors already confirmed including Vera and Shetland author Ann Cleeves, Joanne Harris of Chocolat fame, this year’s CWA Diamond Dagger winner, the crime author Mark Billingham, and the award-winning BBC broadcaster turned psychologist, Dr Sian Williams.

Lois Kirlan, Chair of Whitby Lit Fest, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce another flurry of fabulous names joining the 2026 line-up, and the full programme, including our outreach and community events, will be published soon this summer.”

The inaugural event last year attracted more than 50 authors and was declared “a stonking triumph” by the organising committee.

Its patron is the Whitby resident and former Radio 4 producer and author, Kate Fenton.

Honorary patron is the acclaimed playwright, Sir Alan Aykbourn.

Last year’s event showcased local authors and poets and hosted writing workshops as well as a school writing competition in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

Headline authors from last year’s event also sang its praises, with Rob Rinder calling it a ‘joy’ and full of ‘heart’ while the actor Miriam Margolyes also said it was, “utterly wonderful…one of the best weekends ever. Joyous. Uplifting. Beautiful.”

Gaining charitable status will allow the festival to expand its objective to be of public benefit and advance the education and appreciation of literature, in and around Whitby.

Mark Williamson, Trustee of Whitby Lit Fest, said: “Having charity status helps us build in sustainability into the festival, and allows us to expand its existing work around accessibility, education, and community outreach.

"We passionately believe that people living in coastal areas deserve a similar quality of culture and opportunity that audiences expect in larger, cosmopolitan towns and cities.

"Whitby has inspired writers who have shaped the nation’s cultural landscape, and that’s a legacy worth celebrating and nurturing.

“Supporting the festival, from just £50, offers a unique chance to be part of a growing cultural event that brings significant economic and cultural benefits to Whitby and the surrounding area, in the shoulder winter months.”

Visit https://whitbylitfest.org.uk/ for more information on donating, sponsorship opportunities or festival updates.