Whitby to Host Inaugural Literature Festival

A new festival is set to launch, aiming to celebrate Whitby’s rich literary history and foster local writing talent. Named Whitby Lit Fest, this four-day event is scheduled for November 2025, providing a platform for novelists, poets, and playwrights to present their work. Inspired by the harbour town’s connections to renowned authors, North Yorkshire Council anticipates the festival will contribute to an increase in tourism during the latter part of the year. Local venues have been encouraged to participate in preparation for next year’s event. While perhaps most recognized for its association with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby also boasts numerous other literary ties, including those with Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens, as well as the poetry of Caedmon and the writings of Elizabeth Gaskell. Lois Kirtlan, manager of Hetty and Betty café, has been named the festival director. Ms. Kirtlan stated, “Six years ago I started my business in Whitby and it struck me that there was no literature festival.” She added, “It seemed a little odd that a town so steeped in literary heritage wouldn’t hold its own literature festival.” She mentioned having discussed initiating such a festival several years prior, but the pandemic prevented its realization. Nevertheless, she has since formed a steering group dedicated to bringing Whitby Lit Fest to fruition. Adele Duffield, an outreach librarian and local writer, is a member of this group and commented, “I’m so pleased we are finally going to have a literature festival in Whitby.” She continued, “Inspiring youngsters and providing a space for emerging writers to be promoted alongside established authors is a truly worthwhile cause.” Ms. Duffield indicated that a junior writing competition has been proposed, through which organizers plan to collaborate with local schools to identify “tomorrow’s greatest authors.” Ms. Duffield further remarked, “This festival is a perfect stage to promote emerging talent.” An informational event for local businesses and venues interested in participating will be hosted at Hetty and Betty on November 8.