Romance Writing Festival Returns to Bournemouth for a Second Love-Filled Year

Tickets are now on sale for the second Romance Writing Festival, returning to Bournemouth on Saturday 3rd October 2026. It brings Sunday Times bestselling authors, leading industry professionals and aspiring writers together for a full day dedicated to the craft and business of writing romance.

Following a hugely successful launch year, the second festival will take place at the award-winning Marsham Court Hotel and forms part of the expanding literary programme led by the double award-winning, community-focussed Bournemouth Writing Festival.

Designed for writers at every stage - from beginners to publication - the 2026 programme combines practical guidance with inspirational conversation.

The festival welcomes romance legend Katie Fforde in conversation with BBC South’s Edward Sault, as well as Sunday Times bestselling author and President of the Romantic Novelists’ Association Sue Moorcroft. Additional panels bring together leading contemporary voices including Liam Livings, Abiola Bello and Suzan Holder, alongside industry professionals offering candid advice on submissions and publishing pathways.

Other notable speakers include prolific Harlequin, Mills & Boon author Sharon Kendrick, who will share insights from her extraordinary career having sold over 27 million books; Jeevani Charika on navigating the “messy middle” of a manuscript; and local editor Gary Dalkin with publisher Sophie Beal will advise on getting your draft ready for publishing. Alex Thompson, Managing Director of Troubador Publishing and The Book Guild, and Isabelle Knight, founder of Build Your Author Brand, will discuss book marketing.

In addition to the main programme, three in-depth 90-minute masterclasses will be available, alongside bookable one-to-one sessions with six literary agents - offering writers direct access to industry feedback. (Festival tickets are not required to book masterclasses or agent sessions.)

Festival Director Dominic Wong said:“Bournemouth has an extraordinary literary heritage - from Mary Shelley and Robert Louis Stevenson to the vibrant writing community thriving here today. Through the double award-winning, community-focussed Bournemouth Writing Festival, we’ve worked hard to position the town as a place where writers feel inspired, supported and celebrated. The Romance Writing Festival builds on that momentum. It brings internationally recognised authors and industry professionals to the coast, showcases Bournemouth as a serious creative destination, and creates meaningful opportunities for writers at every stage of their journey.”

The day concludes with an evening networking reception, alongside optional literary and beach walks that celebrate Bournemouth’s unique coastal setting.

Every ticket includes arrival tea or coffee, a traditional Ploughman’s lunch, a welcome drink at the evening reception and a £5 bookshop voucher. A 10% early bird discount is in effect until 31^st May 2026.

Whether you write sweet, steamy, contemporary, historical or romantasy fiction, the Romance Writing Festival offers the opportunity to learn, connect and fall in love with writing all over again.

For tickets and further information, visit: https://www.romancewritingfestival.co.uk/