How the Bournemouth Writing Festival Continues to Support Your Creative Journey
Whether you are drafting your first novel, refining a poetry collection, or seeking publishing opportunities, finding the right creative writing events and supportive community is essential for every writer and author. The Bournemouth Writing Festival is evolving into a hybrid festival experience designed to empower, educate and inspire writers across Dorset, the UK, and internationally.
Through a blend of online writing masterclasses, live in-person networking, and community-led initiatives, this year-round literary hub provides everything aspiring authors and seasoned writers need to progress their writing journey.
What is the Bournemouth Writing Festival?
The Bournemouth Writing Festival is a multi-format literary event offering writing workshops, author talks, agent pitch sessions and local community projects. Designed for writers of all experience levels, backgrounds, and genres, the festival bridges the gap between creative execution and commercial publication.
By operating a flexible hybrid model, attendees can join virtual webinars from anywhere in the world or attend face-to-face gatherings across vibrant venues in Bournemouth and Dorset.
Virtual Events & Online Creative Writing Masterclasses
For writers seeking flexible learning, the virtual arm of the festival delivers expert guidance directly to your screen.
The Main Online Festival
The main digital festival features over 55 online talks and panel sessions. Sessions are categorised across key thematic streams:
The Craft of Writing: Character development, plotting, world-building, and prose styling.
Ready to Publish: Traditional publishing advice, self-publishing strategies, query letter tips and literary agent one-to-ones.
Genre Worlds: Deep dives into crime fiction, fantasy, science fiction, romance, non-fiction, and children's literature.
Writing for Performance: Scriptwriting, playwriting, poetry and music.
Writing for Joy & Wellbeing: Supporting and encouraging writers to overcome procrastination, writers' block and creating mindfulness to continue to enjoy their writing.
All main festival sessions are recorded, giving pass holders on-demand access until 30th September 2027.
Year-Round Virtual Networking & Webinars
Writing does not have to be a solitary pursuit. The festival hosts monthly virtual networking sessions and live masterclass webinars led by published authors, editors, and publishing industry insiders to keep your momentum going throughout the year.
In-Person Writing Events in Bournemouth and Dorset
For those who thrive on face-to-face connection, seven dedicated monthly events take place across local Dorset venues between January and June.
Highlights include:
Networking & Book Launches: Meet local authors, connect with writing critique groups, and celebrate new releases.
Live Performances: Spoken word, poetry, and live band improvisation events like Tongue Fu.
Interactive Gatherings: Nature writing walks, open mic nights, and author panel discussions.
These events foster a thriving local writing community in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch.
Free Community Projects & Youth Writing Opportunities
The festival is committed to making creative writing accessible to everyone. Key community initiatives include:
Schools & Youth Competitions: Writing contests organized in partnership with local schools, home-education networks, and media partners like Bournemouth One Radio.
Library Writing Groups: Local creative writing drop-ins and workshops held in community libraries.
The Wind Phone Project: A unique community initiative offering reflective writing opportunities.
Ticket Packages, Pricing, and Accessibility
The Bournemouth Writing Festival provides affordable ticket options tailored to every budget:
Pay-As-You-Go (£15): Access individual talks, masterclasses, and networking sessions.
Virtual Ticket Package (£149): Complete access to all online talks and recorded content.
Access All Areas Pass (£199): Comprehensive access covering all 70 online and in-person sessions.
Payment plans and early bird discounts are regularly available to ensure writing education remains open to all.
Join the Writing Community Today
Whether you are looking for literary agent feedback, guidance on how to get published, or simply a supportive group of fellow writers, the Bournemouth Writing Festival offers the tools, insights, and community to help you succeed.
To view the full programme, register for upcoming virtual webinars, or book tickets for live events, visit the official website at bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk.
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