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Tickets now on sale for 4th Bournemouth Writing Festival

Jan 15
2 min read

The double award-winning Bournemouth Writing Festival returns for its fourth year from 24th to 26th April, bringing three days of writing, creativity and networking to venues across the town, with tickets now on sale.


Over 100 free and ticketed writing events and activities for all ages and abilities will take place at Pavilion Dance, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Patch, Palace Court Theatre, Horseshoe Common and on the beach, with a programme combining ticketed highlights and a wide range of free activities.


Thanks to Arts Council funding and ticket income, much of the festival is free to attend. Highlights include a new Poetry Marquee at Horseshoe Common with drop-in activities and live performances, Writing on the Beach, a chill-out writing zone at Russell-Cotes with beginner and dementia-friendly sessions, children’s writing activities at Patch, and free entry to the Writers’ Hive, which also hosts four book launches.

New to this year’s festival are two exclusive masterclasses including afternoon tea at the Russell-Cotes’ recently refurbished conservatory with sea views. Literary agent Saskia Leach will lead a session on creating a standout submission pack, while Dorset-based, multi-million-selling author Rachel McLean hosts a masterclass on writing commercial fiction.


Writers can also book one-to-one sessions with eight literary agents at the Marsham Court Hotel, alongside a series of 60-minute talks at Pavilion Dance and the Palace Court Theatre. Bestselling, Dorset-based authors Lucy Clarke and Heidi Perks are among those sharing advice on topics ranging from memoir and marketing to picture books and pen names. Friday’s talks are aimed particularly at writers nearing completion of their books, with a four-for-the-price-of-three ticket offer available on book marketing.


Practical workshops and inspiring walks run throughout the weekend, while Sunday sees panel discussions in the Writers’ Hive at Patch, chaired by Gary Dalkin and Kathleen Whyman. Evening events include a Friday night social, Tongue Fu’s live band improvisation and poetry comedy show on Saturday, and a Sunday night showcase combining poetry, spoken word and live dancers with Arts University Bournemouth.


Festival Director Dominic Wong said: “The Bournemouth Writing Festival is all about making writing feel welcoming and achievable, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your work to the next level. We’re proud to offer a wide-ranging programme that mixes top industry expertise with inclusive and accessible events that bring writers together from across the community and the country.”


Full programme details, prices and booking information are available at the Bournemouth Writing Festival website, plus plenty of volunteering opportunities. https://www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk/


Photos of the Bournemouth Writing Festival for use can be found here. Please credit Solid Imagery:

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Festival Director Dominic Wong

The Bournemouth Writing Festival holds writing events and activities throughout the year - all designed to inspire writers to write, regardless of their age, background or ability or where they are in their writing journey.

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Winner of the GOLD award at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2024 and 2025.

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