Bournemouth Writing Festival Named Finalist at Dorset Tourism Awards 2025

We are delighted to announce that the Bournemouth Writing Festival has once again been recognised at the Dorset Tourism Awards. Following last year’s success, where we proudly won Gold in the Tourism Event / Festival of the Year category, we are thrilled to be back as a finalist in 2025.

Being shortlisted alongside some of the county’s most popular attractions – including family-friendly dinosaur experiences, major music festivals and the world-famous Red Arrows air displays – highlights just how far our celebration of writing, books and creativity has come in just a few short years.

Showcasing Dorset’s Literary Side

Dorset is world-famous for its beaches, countryside and tourism heritage – but the region is also home to a rich literary tradition. From Mary Shelley, buried at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, to Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde while living in Westbourne, Dorset has long inspired writers and storytellers.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival celebrates that heritage while offering a vibrant, contemporary programme for today’s writers. Over one exciting weekend each April, hundreds of aspiring and established authors gather to attend workshops, masterclasses, talks, book signings, performances and networking opportunities.

A Festival for Writers and Readers

Our mission has always been simple: to inspire writers to write. Whether you’re working on your first poem, polishing a novel manuscript, or exploring new forms of storytelling, the Bournemouth Writing Festival provides the tools, support and community to help you along your journey.

In 2025, we welcomed bestselling authors, award-winning writers, editors, agents and publishers to share their expertise with attendees. From panel discussions on publishing and marketing to practical writing masterclasses and one-to-one feedback sessions, the festival offered something for every stage of the creative process.

We are proud that the festival doesn’t just attract local talent but draws visitors from across Dorset, the South West and beyond – making Bournemouth a hub for literary tourism.

A Huge Thank You

This achievement would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the enthusiasm of our participants, the generosity of our venues, and the energy of our audiences. You have all played a part in making the Bournemouth Writing Festival one of the Top Four events in Dorset this year.

We are honoured to be part of the Dorset Tourism Awards, which shine a spotlight on the very best of our county’s attractions, events and visitor experiences.

Looking Ahead

As we look towards 2026, we’re already working on ways to make the next Bournemouth Writing Festival even bigger and better – with more opportunities for writers, exciting literary guests, and creative partnerships that showcase Bournemouth as the perfect seaside destination for culture, creativity and community.

Stay tuned for announcements, and in the meantime, thank you for helping us put our little corner on the South West of England's coast and the art of writing firmly on the map.