Headshot Photos

Get professional headshots for your book, publicity and social media in our photography studio.

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£45 for a minimum of 12 licence-free photos in our photography studio.​

Genre Breakfasts

Informal, volunteer-led meetups in cafes on both Saturday and Sunday at 9am before the Festival starts.

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See "Read More" for genres and locations. Free to attend but we encourage you to support our local cafes.

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Bookshop with The Mysterious Bookcase

Westbourne's newest bookshop - The Mysterious Bookcase - is our official bookseller for the festival and will be located in the Festival Hub at Pavilion Dance.

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You can buy books from our speakers (and get them signed!), as well as a Blind Date With A Book - a mysterious book full of surprises!

Poetry Marquee - FREE

Free facilitated drop-in sessions and performances inspiring wordplay and expression through poetry. For all ages and abilities. 

Saturday and Sunday in the marquee in Horseshoe Common from 10am to 6pm.

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Curated by the Winchester Poetry Festival and Kim West.

Free - just turn up!​​​​​

Cunard's Literature Cruise

Book your place on Cunard's Literature Festival at Sea with Jo and Jo – your specialist travel consultants. This spectacular 7-night Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2, in partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and Sunday Times, sails from New York to Southampton with bestselling authors, publishers and journalists.

 

Enjoy book signings, writing workshops and Q&As. Sailings in Winter 2026 and 2027. Chat to Jo at the Festival Hub on Friday and Sunday to start planning your voyage.  

People with Dementia drop-in

Free drop-in sessions for people with dementia, early-stage dementia and their carers. Read poems, stories, and letters created through our free workshops and contributions sent in from home.

Local charity Prama Care will be available

throughout the session to provide support,

share advice, and answer any questions

about living with dementia and caring for those who have it.

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10am to 12pm, Free

Writers' Hive - Free

Meet, chat and support a range of local authors and writer support services at Patch, where there will be book launches, signings and celebrations! 

 

9:30am to 5:30pm, Sunday only.

Patch - 1st Floor of Bobbys.​

Literary Walk of Bournemouth

Hattie Miles will be leading another literary walk of Bournemouth on Sunday 26th April at 10:30am. 

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For the past two years, the walk has sold out, so make sure you secure your spot.

Limited spaces and is a moderate walk and includes some slopes and steps with a rail. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Starts at the Pavilion Dance.

£15, only 15 spaces available.

Networking lunch - Sunday

Join fellow writers and authors for an informal lunch between 12pm and 2pm so you aren't eating alone. 

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Hosted by a volunteer in a choice of two restaurants.

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Free but we encourage you to support our local restaurants and cafes.

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Sea Cipher: The Interactive Walking Adventure

Sea Cipher is a 90-minute interactive adventure that unfolds in Bournemouth’s lower gardens. complete with actors and interactive elements to get you inspired! Expect surprises!

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With Bradford Gyori and Jackson Gyori.

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£15. Only 24 spaces available.

2pm to 3:30pm

Chill Out Zone

Join Abby G Poetree at the Russell-Cotes Museum for a chill-out session, where Abby will be available with poetry prompts to inspire you to write. A free, 30-minute tour of the museum will also take place for workshop attendees (max 20).

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Informal, and a place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the festival.

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FREE. 2pm to 4pm.​

Networking dinner - Sunday

Join fellow writers and authors for an informal dinner between 5pm and 7pm so you aren't eating alone. 

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Hosted by a volunteer. Free but we encourage you to support our local restaurants.