First-ever Whitby Lit Fest which attracted Miriam Margolyes and Rob Rinder hailed 'an incredible success'
The beautiful small town of Whitby has always had giant connections with the world of literatur
From the earliest English poet known, Caedmon back in the 7th Century, through literary giants such as Bram Stoker, Lewis Carroll, Storm Jameson, Mary Linskill, and more, to contemporary writers, Whitby has been an inspiration for writers for centuries.
What Whitby was missing though, was a celebration of this literary heritage – a Literature Festival where the literary greats of the past could inspire the next generation of writers for the future.
And so, Lois Kirtlan, owner of town centre business Hetty & Betty, decided that it would happen.
She put together a skilled committee and for four days, the team delivered a hugely successful Literary Festival, described by Sir Alan Ayckbourn as “amazingly ambitious”.
Committee members Lois Kirtlan, Adele Duffield, Fiona Duncan, Jack Barber, Mark Williamson and James Wallis, along with help from Ann Challenor Chadwick and Clair Challenor Chadwick of Cause UK brought together an outstanding line up including Lee Child, Miriam Margolyes, Rob Rinder, Steph McGovern, Yvette Fielding and Sir Alan Ayckbourn.
The Whitby Lit Fest featured 60 authors across 40 events throughout the town, attracting visitors from all across the UK, and residents alike.
Local tourism and Whitby businesses were given a boost with attendee numbers estimated at around 1,500.
Lois, who chairs the committee, said: “The Lit Fest has been an incredible success.
"The responses we’ve received from our authors and attendees have been overwhelmingly positive.
"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.”
Committee member Adele Duffield, who organised the children’s wiring competition which received 140 entries from schools said: “This gives me such hope for future generations, and may our festival inspire many more young people in their creative ventures.”
Committee member James Wallis said his highlight was sitting down at breakfast with Lee Child, Miriam Margolyes and Lucinda Hawksley – “a surreal experience!”
Whitby Town Mayor Sandra Turner 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.”
The Whitby Lit Fest 2025 was closed with a session with Sir Alan Ayckbourn in conversation with the Festival Patron Kate Fenton.
Sir Alan told Kate he was “thrilled to be here.”
Patron Kate Fenton, who interviewed and introduced a number of headline authors throughout the festival, described the event as: “Huge, enthusiastic audiences, smart work by festival committee – and the most enormous fun.”
Actor and author Miriam Margolyes, known for her work across film, television, and stage enjoyed her visit to Whitby, staying for three days, attending talks from fellow authors and visiting businesses across the town.
She said on social media: “I loved it all and am dying to return for Whitby LitFest No 2.”
Committee member Mark Williamson said: “My highlight was working side-by-side with the festival's incredible band of volunteers, to welcome visitors - many of them local - to venues they had never explored.”
The committee thanked all of its volunteers who kept everything running smoothly across the four days.
Whitby Lit Fest will be returning November 19 to 22, 2026.