Bournemouth Writing Festival wins gold award AGAIN

The Bournemouth Writing Festival is celebrating after winning Gold for the second year running at the Dorset Tourism Awards for Tourism Event / Festival of the Year, cementing its reputation as one of the county’s most exciting and creative events.

Dominic Wong receives the gold award for Tourism Event / Festival of the Year at the Dorset Tourism Awards. award is sponsored by Tomorrow's Travel. Photo credit Dorset Tourism Awards

Since its launch in 2023, the festival has brought together thousands of writers, poets and writing professionals from across the UK and beyond, shining a spotlight on Bournemouth as a vibrant cultural destination. The Gold award recognises not only the flagship April festival and the work it does with underrepresented members of the community, but also the festival’s growing programme of events that run throughout the year and provide a welcome boost for the town’s hotels, restaurants and shops outside of the busy summer months.

For example, this weekend hosts the Romance Writing Festival at the Royal Bath Hotel on Saturday 18 October, welcoming Sunday Times bestselling authors, agents and publishing professionals to the area. Just a few weeks later, on 13 November, a special Robert Louis Stevenson celebration will mark the Jekyll & Hyde writer’s 175th birthday with talks, readings and performances at his former Westbourne home where he wrote Strange Case of Jekyll & Hyde. Looking ahead to 2026, January will see the return of the Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary (16–18 January), a three-day retreat giving writers the space and inspiration to immerse themselves in their work at Patch. With the main festival dates now confirmed for 24–26 April 2026, applications are already open for speakers and facilitators to be part of next year’s programme.

Festival Director Dominic Wong said:“We are absolutely thrilled to win Gold again at the Dorset Tourism Awards. It’s a huge honour for all the volunteers, facilitators and writers who help make this such a special event. What makes me most proud is how the festival is growing – not only bringing thousands of visitors to Bournemouth, but also running a busy year-round programme of writing events and activities that inspire writers to write regardless of their age, background or ability. This award is for everyone who has supported us on the journey so far.”

The Dorset Tourism Awards were held at Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday 16^th October. Other nominees for the Tourism Event / Festival of the Year were Poole Harbour Festival, Swanage Festival and Dino Week 2025. The award is sponsored by Tomorrow's Travel.

For more information and to apply to take part in the 2026 festival, visit: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk