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A Weekend of Inspiration, Learning & Connection

24-26th APRIL 2026

✍️ Over 100 events and activities - from talks, walks, panels and masterclasses

🤝 Meet literary agents and industry insiders

👥 Be part of a vibrant community of fellow writers

★★★★★ Rated 5/5 by fellow writers

Festival Director Dominic Wong

Award Winning Festival Returns

📚 The 4th Bournemouth Writing Festival
🗓️ Friday 24th – Sunday 26th April 2026
📍 Across Bournemouth Town Centre


Bournemouth Writing Festival is proud to have won GOLD two years running at the Dorset Tourism Awards, recognising the festival's unique and inspiring contribution to the region’s cultural calendar.

 

Whether you’re a complete beginner, ready to get your words out into the world, or already working on your next book, you’ll find inspiration, support, and a welcoming community waiting for you.

 

​"Not just a fabulous opportunity to learn new skills, but a great way to meet fellow writers." 

★★★★★ Jackie Lambert

2026 Bournemouth Writing Festival Events

📆 Download the full line-up in chronological order with prices and times by clicking this link.

Literary Agent 121s

Book a private face-to-face session with a writing professional and literary agents

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Activities and Networking

Fun things to do and chances to meet other like-minded writers

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Headshot Photo Studio

Get a professional headshot for your book cover and marketing

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Genre Breakfasts

Meet other writers writing in your genre over a coffee.

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Our Venues

Find out about our venues for each of the events

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Talks & Workshops

Sessions designed to improve and progress your writing journey

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Poetry Marquee

Free for all ages and abilities, with activities and performances

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For Children

Free and ticketed activities for children

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Mealtime Meetups

Chat to other attendees at mealtimes in local restaurants

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Speakers

Find out more about the writing experts giving their knowledge.

Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary

Masterclasses

Deep-dive and discuss elements at an advanced level

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The Writers' Hive

Book launches, stallholders and panels from emerging authors

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Evening Events

You don't need to be a writer to enjoy our unique evening shows

A participant in the Creative Writing Workshop for Additional Needs - run by Tricuro Care

Community Workshops

Free workshops for marginalised areas of our community

Writers Like You, Loving the Festival

★★★★★ Rated 100% on Facebook by our amazing community

★★★★★

"Such a buzz at this fantastic and well-organised festival, with great venues and a tremendous variety of talks."

Alice Fowler 

★★★★★

"The Bournemouth Writing Festival is a fantastic long weekend of writing inspiration. I made great connections, learned so much and left feeling motivated to continue my writing journey."

Katherine Baldwin 

★★★★★

"This is a fantastic festival with lots of inspiring activities for creative writers and anyone who works with words! The screenwriting and sustainability sessions were particularly good. Will definitely be back next year."

Fiona Freeman

Online Class

Join Our Free Writers' Community

Connect with over 1,000 writers, authors, and writing professionals in our supportive Facebook group. Ask questions, find beta-readers, get advice, and stay motivated throughout your writing journey.

★★★★★ Rated 5/5 by fellow writers

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