Whitby Lit Fest welcomes McCarthy & Stone on board as an event sponsor
Whitby Lit Fest has welcomed McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, as a sponsor of two of its headline author events for 2026, featuring internationally acclaimed writers Ann Cleeves and John Boyne.
The sponsorship marks a welcome partnership between the festival and McCarthy & Stone, which has a presence in the town through its Scoresby View later living development on The Garth, and shares the festival’s commitment to building vibrant, connected communities.
Taking place from November 19 to 22, Whitby Lit Fest will bring more than 50 literary events to venues across the town, celebrating books, storytelling and the power of literature to bring people together.
McCarthy & Stone is sponsoring two of the festival’s most anticipated appearances at Whitby Pavilion.
On Friday November 20, at 7pm, internationally bestselling novelist John Boyne, whose acclaimed novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold millions of copies worldwide, will discuss his latest book, The Weight of Angels, in conversation with broadcaster and novelist Steph McGovern.
On Saturday November 21 at 2.30pm, award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves OBE, creator of the much-loved Vera, Shetland and Two Rivers series, will take to the stage in conversation with journalist Alison Graham.
McCarthy & Stone's Scoresby View development provides 60 later living apartments, with communal spaces and social activities designed to support independent living and a strong sense of community.
Kirsty Payne, Sales Director at McCarthy & Stone, said: "Whitby has a wonderful cultural heritage and a strong sense of community, and we're proud to play a part in celebrating both.
"Literature has a remarkable ability to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, sparking conversation and creating connections.
"We know how important those connections can be, and creating opportunities for people to meet, build friendships and enjoy life together is at the heart of our communities.”
Now in its second year, Whitby Lit Fest is building on the success of its inaugural festival in 2025 – patron Kate Fenton declared it “a stonking triumph” – with ambitions to establish a lasting literary flagship event for the Yorkshire coast.
Organised by a local team of volunteers and run as a registered charity, the festival aims to make literature accessible to wide audiences while supporting the town's cultural identity, visitor economy and independent businesses.
Corporate sponsorship plays an important role in helping the festival maintain affordable ticket prices, attract high-profile authors and develop a sustainable future.
Lois Kirtlan, chair of Whitby Lit Fest, said: "We're incredibly grateful to McCarthy & Stone for supporting two of our headline events this year.
"Partnerships like this help us bring world-class writers to our town.
"As a charity, we rely on the generosity of sponsors, supporters and volunteers to make that vision a reality.
"Corporate sponsorship is particularly important because it allows us to keep events affordable, grow our programme and build something sustainable for future generations.
"We hope McCarthy & Stone's support will encourage other businesses to become part of the festival's story."
The 2026 programme features a stellar line-up of writers and personalities including Si King, Joanne Harris, Mark Billingham and Hugh Bonneville, alongside emerging literary talent and community events.
Businesses interested in supporting Whitby Lit Fest can explore a range of sponsorship opportunities.
Visit www.whitbylitfest.org.uk for more.