Submissions now open!

This is a writing festival to encourage writers to write (whether they are just starting out or more advanced), offering practical and hands-on tips, advice and strategies to get writing and be published.

 

We are looking for Expressions of Interest for ideas and suggestions that you can deliver and have experience facilitating, which falls under our ethos of inspiring writers to write. This may be the writing techniques, or understanding the process of getting work out into the world. Think "how to" or Top Tips, for example How to write interesting characters, or Top Tips to avoid procrastination. We want to be as inclusive and diverse as possible – not just in our participants, but in the topics discussed too.

 

The 2026 programme will again be split into three sections:

 

1. Formal programme of talks, panels and masterclasses from writers and authors and those that support writers (editors, publishers, agents etc) in the form of:

   1. One hour long talks including Q&As. Topics should not necessarily focus on one genre, but try to be relevant to different writing styles.

   2. 90 minute workshops. These are to be more in-depth than the talks, giving attendees practical exercises for them to take away with them. 

2. Informal programme of networking and evening events, performances and free activities to provide stimulus, connections and inspiration. Our aim is to utilise different spaces within Bournemouth Town Centre whilst creating unique experiences.

3. Activities for children to inspire young people to write. These include free drop-in sessions (as well as the ticketed workshops) for children of all abilities and ages which will take place on Saturday 25th April.

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We are looking for facilitators to deliver any in the above categories. Events and activities should be as engaging, interactive, inclusive and as participatory as possible (reducing reliance on PowerPoint or paper hand-outs if possible). Your session can be delivered how you want - theatre-style or out walking on the beach! Please note, however, that we may not be able to have tables for workshops.

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Here are some of the specific things we are looking for, in addition to the above:

• Book Marketing. On Friday 24th April, the four sessions we are looking to hold in the Pavilion Dance theatre (capacity 200) will be focused on helping authors and writers get their words out into the world.

• Poetry Hub. Our Poetry Hub will be in a public space in the town centre on the Saturday and Sunday. The Winchester Poetry Festival will be curating and organising this section of the festival.

• The Writers' Hive. On Sunday 26th April, authors and writing services can hire a space in our Writing Hive (previously called the Author Marketplace). This will be a buzzing place full of writers and authors who have already published or self-published their books and where attendees can come and speak to them about their writing journey. By hiring a table, you are guaranteed a place on a panel chaired by a writing professional. You can also launch your book at the Hive! Applications are now open.

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We are looking for writers from all areas of our diverse community to lead these events.

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An Advisory Panel, comprising three writing professionals, is supporting the Festival Director in the curation of the programme. Their decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding unsuccessful applications.

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Deadline for submissions is Friday 31st October 2025.

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Please note that last year, we received three times as many submissions than slots so please don't be too disappointed if we don't choose you this time!