Bestselling Authors Announced For Whitby Literary Festival 2026

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, featuring a star-studded line-up including Ann Cleeves and Joanne Harris, the Whitby Literary Festival returns this November to bring readers and celebrated authors together across the historic coastal town.

Following a highly successful inaugural year that exceeded expectations, the Whitby Literary Festival has officially unveiled the first wave of confirmed authors for its 2026 programme. The event is set to return to the atmospheric coastal town from 19–22 November 2026, aiming to build on its initial momentum and further establish Whitby as an exciting destination on the UK literary calendar.

Headlining Authors and Upcoming Releases

The first wave of announcements features major figures from the worlds of crime fiction, contemporary literature, and broadcasting. The initial line-up includes:

• Ann Cleeves OBE: Widely acclaimed for her crime writing, Cleeves is the creator of the celebrated Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez (Shetland) series, both of which have been adapted into major television productions by ITV and the BBC. She was awarded an OBE for her services to reading and libraries. Her appearance follows the October publication of her latest Detective Matthew Venn novel, The Dying Light.
• Joanne Harris OBE: The author of more than 30 books, Harris is best known for her bestselling novel Chocolat, which was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Her appearance will coincide closely with her forthcoming novel, Sleepers in the Snow, which is set to be published in October 2026.
• Dr Sian Williams: An award-winning broadcaster and chartered counselling psychologist, Williams spent over a decade presenting BBC Breakfast as part of a 40-year career in television and radio. She currently hosts Life Changing on BBC Radio 4 and Classical Unwind on BBC Radio 3. Her psychological work focuses heavily on trauma, stress, and anxiety, including collaborations designed to support emergency services personnel. Her latest book, The Power of Anxiety, combines research, case studies, and personal insights.
• Mark Billingham: Originally from Birmingham, Billingham is a well-known novelist, actor, and comedian who appears regularly across UK media. He is best known for his Tom Thorne crime series, which was adapted for Sky starring David Morrissey. The latest instalment in the series, What the Night Brings, is scheduled for paperback release in March.

Further author announcements will follow in the coming months, as organizers continue their commitment to showcasing a blend of bestselling and emerging voices.

Expanding Leadership and Historic Comparisons

The governance and support network of the festival is also expanding for its second year. Festival Patron Kate Fenton has announced that the renowned playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE will be joining the festival organization as Honorary Co-Patron.

Leadership notes that the venture is injecting a fresh literary energy into the town, drawing comparisons to the creative atmosphere Whitby experienced during the days of Bram Stoker. Festival Chair Lois Kirtlan stated that the extraordinary response and enthusiasm from audiences, authors, and the local community during the 2025 debut has directly inspired the decision to expand the programme and line-up for 2026.

A Unique Venue and Event Format

The Whitby Literary Festival holds a unique logistical distinction, as it is the only literary festival in the UK to be headquartered inside a fish and chip restaurant—Hetty & Betty.

Using this unique base, the festival will spread across multiple local venues to make the most of Whitby’s dramatic coastline and historic streets. The four-day event will feature a diverse format including:

• Author talks
• Panel discussions
• Interactive workshops
• Book signings
• Special events

Festival Origins and Ticket Details

Launched in 2025, the festival was founded with the explicit goal of establishing a dynamic literary celebration of books, ideas, and creativity within one of the UK’s most atmospheric coastal settings. The event champions accessibility and inclusivity, aiming to bring readers and writers together while drawing audiences from all across the UK.

The continuation of the event relies on a network of local and professional backers, with formal support provided by:

• Hetty & Betty
• The Whitby Bookshop
• North Yorkshire Council
• Cause & Effect PR
• Hello Technology

Ticketing Information: The full festival programme details and ticket sales will be officially released in summer 2026. Early updates and exclusive content will be published directly through the festival’s website and social media channels leading up to the summer launch.

Find more from Whitby Literary Festival now:

Website: www.whitbylitfest.org.uk
Social: @whitbyliteraturefestival