Bournemouth Writing Festival announces 2026 dates

The Bournemouth Writing Festival is back for its fourth year from 24-26 April 2026 - welcoming over 1,000 writers, authors and writing professionals to the beach to improve and profess their writing journey.

The festival again promises to offer tips, guidance, advice and inspiration for writers at all stages of their writing journey. 

From talks, workshops and masterclasses to networking events and panels, a plethora of events and activities to inspire writers to write is being planned, including:

Talks, panels, masterclasses and workshops by renowned authors and writers. The festival will feature a line-up of authors, poets, journalists, screenwriters and industry experts, offering a range of inspiring talks, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. From starting out, techniques and tips to enhance your prose, editing, querying and choosing the traditional vs self-publishing route, there is something for every writer to progress their writing and get it out into the world.

Literary Agents 1:2:1s. The ultimate chance to pitch your manuscript to literary agents and to get personalised feedback on aspects of your writing from writing professionals in private sessions. 

Inspiration to Write. The festival will host a variety of unique free indoor and outdoor activities and events to help stimulate creativity. From Writing on the Beach to Poetry activities, Literary Walks of Bournemouth to writing exercises.

Networking. The Bournemouth Writing Festival is not only a platform for learning but also an excellent opportunity to connect with local writers, agents, publishers, and other industry professionals. The festival's vibrant atmosphere and funky venues encourage meaningful networking and potential collaborations, utilising many of the cafes and restaurants in the Town Centre. 

Marketplace. Pop into our author hub to meet and chat to authors and writing professionals who have been-there-and-done-it. Get advice, knowledge and tips, and perhaps buy a signed book to support our local authors. You can even celebrate your own finished publication with our special book launch package or hire a stall.

Events for Children. In 2025, the writing festival took over Patch on the 1st Floor of Bobby’s with our dedicated Children’s Hub, featuring free drop-in sessions hosted by ArtfulScribe, We Are Authentic Education and ticketed workshops.

Competitions. We’ve collaborated with Bournemouth University’s Bournemouth Writing Prize for our international writing competition, which is now live. Other competitions will be announced in due course - including our writing competition for schools and home-educated children.

Free Workshops for Marginalised People. We provide workshops for lots of different areas of our community. Last year, creative Writing Workshops for Adults with Additional or Learning Needs, homeless and those in financial difficulties, Children in Care and Care Experienced Young People all took place. There was also a free workshop for language school students.

So come along to the sunny south coast and get involved with our buzzy and vibrant writing festival - write by the sea.