High-profile writers including Ann Cleeves and John Boyne will take to the stage at the Whitby Lit Fest in 2026 following a new corporate sponsorship agreement.
World-class writers will head to the Yorkshire coast for the 2026 Whitby Lit Fest, supported by a new sponsorship deal.
Taking place from the 19th to the 22nd of November, the festival will bring more than fifty literary events to venues across the seaside town. The programme aims to celebrate books, storytelling, and the power of literature to bring people together.
Internationally acclaimed authors John Boyne and Ann Cleeves OBE will feature in two of the most anticipated appearances at Whitby Pavilion. These headline events have been secured with backing from McCarthy & Stone, a retirement community developer with a presence in the town.
Bestselling novelist John Boyne, whose acclaimed novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold millions of copies worldwide, will take to the stage on Friday the 20th of November at 7pm. He will discuss his latest book, The Weight of Angels, in conversation with broadcaster and novelist Steph McGovern.
Award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves OBE, creator of the much-loved Vera, Shetland, and Two Rivers series, will follow on Saturday the 21st of November at 2.30pm. She will appear in conversation with journalist Alison Graham.
The sponsorship agreement builds on existing links to the town through the Scoresby View later living development at The Garth, which provides sixty apartments designed to support independent living.
Sales Director at McCarthy & Stone, Kirsty Payne, said:
"Whitby has a wonderful cultural heritage and a strong sense of community, and we're proud to play a part in celebrating both. Literature has a remarkable ability to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, sparking conversation and creating connections. At McCarthy & Stone, we know how important those connections can be, and creating opportunities for people to meet, build friendships and enjoy life together is at the heart of our communities. We’re delighted to support the festival and help bring some fantastic authors and events to Whitby."
Now in its second year, Whitby Lit Fest is building on the success of its inaugural festival in 2025. Organisers have ambitions to establish a lasting literary flagship event for the Yorkshire coast.
Run as a registered charity by a local team of volunteers, the festival aims to make literature accessible to wide audiences. Organisers say the event also supports the town's cultural identity, visitor economy, and independent businesses.
Corporate sponsorship plays an important role in helping the festival maintain affordable ticket prices, attract high-profile authors, and develop a sustainable future.
The chair of Whitby Lit Fest, Lois Kirtlan, said:
"We're incredibly grateful to McCarthy & Stone for supporting two of our headline events this year. Partnerships like this help us bring world-class writers to our town. We want to create something that becomes part of the cultural fabric of Whitby, inspiring readers, bringing people together and contributing to the vitality of the town. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of sponsors, supporters and volunteers to make that vision a reality. Corporate sponsorship is particularly important because it allows us to keep events affordable, grow our programme and build something sustainable for future generations. We hope McCarthy & Stone's support will encourage other businesses to become part of the festival's story."
The 2026 programme features a stellar line-up of writers and personalities including Si King, Joanne Harris, Mark Billingham, and Hugh Bonneville. These high-profile names will appear alongside emerging literary talent and community events.
Festival organisers are encouraging other businesses interested in supporting the event to explore a range of sponsorship opportunities, which they say will help secure the festival's future and contribute to the cultural and economic life of the town.
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