Whitby Lit Festival has revealed the first wave of acclaimed authors for its 2026 programme, alongside the appointment of Sir Alan Ayckbourn as Honorary Co-Patron.
The Whitby Lit Festival has announced the first wave of authors confirmed for its 2026 programme, as the event prepares to return to the Yorkshire Coast from the 19th to the 22nd of November.
Following a highly successful inaugural year in 2025, organisers have revealed that the upcoming event will feature leading literary figures including Ann Cleeves OBE, Joanne Harris OBE, Dr Sian Williams, and Mark Billingham.
Ann Cleeves OBE is the creator of the Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez series, both of which have been adapted for television by ITV and the BBC. She has received widespread acclaim for her crime writing and was awarded an OBE for her services to reading and libraries. Her latest novel, 'The Dying Light', from the Detective Matthew Venn series, was published in October.
Joining her is Joanne Harris OBE, best known for her bestselling novel 'Chocolat', which was later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. The author has written more than thirty books, and her forthcoming novel, 'Sleepers in the Snow', is set to be published in October 2026.
Dr Sian Williams, an award-winning broadcaster and chartered counselling psychologist, is also part of the line-up. After a forty-year career in television and radio, which included over a decade presenting BBC Breakfast, she now hosts 'Life Changing' on BBC Radio 4 and 'Classical Unwind' on BBC Radio 3. Her work focuses on trauma, stress, and anxiety, including collaborations that support emergency services personnel. Her latest book, 'The Power of Anxiety', which was published this month, combines research, case studies, and personal insight.
Mark Billingham, a novelist, actor, and comedian originally from Birmingham, completes the first wave of announcements. He is a familiar presence across UK media and is best known for the Tom Thorne crime series, which was adapted for Sky and starred David Morrissey. The latest instalment in the series, 'What the Night Brings', is scheduled for paperback release this March.
Organisers state that the debut festival exceeded expectations, drawing large audiences and establishing Whitby as an exciting new destination on the UK literary calendar. Building on that momentum, they promise an ambitious and diverse programme for 2026.
Uniquely, the Whitby Lit Festival holds the title of being the UK’s only literary festival headquartered in a fish and chip restaurant, operating out of Hetty & Betty.
Lois Kirtlan, Chair of the Whitby Lit Festival, said:
"We were thrilled by the response to our inaugural festival in 2025. The enthusiasm from audiences, authors, and the local community was extraordinary. For 2026, we’re expanding the programme and are delighted to begin announcing what promises to be an exceptional line-up."
In addition to the author announcements, Festival Patron Kate Fenton has revealed that Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE will join the team as Honorary Co-Patron.
Sir Alan Ayckbourn said:
"I’m delighted to become co-patron of this exciting new venture. The festival promises to inject fresh literary energy into Whitby in a way unequalled since the days of Bram Stoker."
Set against Whitby’s dramatic coastline and historic streets, the festival will once again feature author talks, panel discussions, workshops, book signings, and special events across multiple venues.
Organisers say the Whitby Lit Festival continues to champion accessibility and inclusivity, bringing readers and writers together in a vibrant cultural celebration.
Further authors will be announced in the coming months, with the full programme continuing the festival’s commitment to showcasing both bestselling and emerging voices. Tickets and full programme details will be released in the summer of 2026, with early updates and exclusive content available via the festival’s website and social media channels.
Councillors Express Frustration Over Scarborough South Bay Water Quality
North Yorkshire Council Plans £750,000 Investment For Scarborough Town Centre Regeneration
Hunmanby School Leading The Way In Supporting Children With Asthma
Bridlington And South East Holderness Residents Encouraged To Get Involved In £20 Million Regeneration Efforts
It's Borough v Brid on Wednesday Night
Scientists and Regulators Grapple with Scarborough’s Water Quality Puzzle
North Yorkshire Council Leaders Challenge Mayor Over A64 Dualling Omission
Drop In 12-Hour Trolley Waits Welcomed At York And Scarborough Hospitals
Green Party Calls For Transparency Over £100m Bridlington Investment Plan
Tour Of Britain To Return To North Yorkshire In 2026 And 2027
Pickering Town Face North Yorkshire Derby
New Office Purchase Sparks Debate Over Scarborough Committee Meetings
