Whitby Lit Festival has announced the first authors confirmed for its 2026 programme, as the event returns from 19–22 November following a highly successful inaugural year.
Leading the first wave of announcements are Ann Cleeves OBE, Joanne Harris OBE, Dr Sian Williams, and Mark Billingham.
Ann Cleeves OBE, creator of the Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez (Shetland) series—both adapted for television by ITV and the BBC—has received widespread acclaim for her crime writing, alongside an OBE for services to reading and libraries. Her latest novel, The Dying Light, from the Detective Matthew Venn series, was published in October.
Joanne Harris OBE, best known for her bestselling novel Chocolat—later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp—has written more than 30 books. Her forthcoming novel, Sleepers in the Snow, will be published in October 2026.
Dr Sian Williams is an award-winning broadcaster and chartered counselling psychologist. After a 40-year career in television and radio, including over a decade presenting BBC Breakfast, she now hosts Life Changing (BBC Radio 4) and Classical Unwind (BBC Radio 3). Her work focuses on trauma, stress, and anxiety, including collaborations supporting emergency services personnel. Her latest book, The Power of Anxiety, published this month, combines research, case studies, and personal insight.
Mark Billingham, originally from Birmingham, is a novelist, actor, and comedian, and a familiar presence across UK media. He is best known for the Tom Thorne crime series, adapted for Sky, starring David Morrissey. The latest instalment, What the Night Brings, is released in paperback this March.
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.
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, organisers promise an ambitious and diverse programme for 2026.
Uniquely, Whitby Lit Festival is the UK’s only literary festival headquartered in a fish and chip restaurant—Hetty & Betty.
Festival Patron Kate Fenton has also announced that Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE will join as Honorary Co-Patron.
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.
Whitby Lit Festival continues to champion accessibility and inclusivity, bringing readers and writers together in a vibrant cultural celebration.
Tickets and full programme details will be released in summer 2026. Early updates and exclusive content are available via the festival’s website and social media channels.
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