The inaugural Whitby Lit Fest is set to take place from November 6-9, 2025, headlined by renowned author Lee Child, who will engage in a conversation with TV personality Rob Rinder.

This literary festival coincides with the anniversary of Bram Stoker's birthday on November 8 and will also pay tribute to Charles Dickens, who famously visited Whitby.

The festival expects over 40 authors to participate, celebrating both established and emerging writers inspired by Whitby's rich literary heritage.

Festival themes will include crime fiction, Gothic horror, and working-class writing, alongside a focus on nature, travel, and wellbeing.

In an effort to inspire young readers and writers, a children's writing competition will be held in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

The event is organized by a local steering committee made up of businesses and cultural organizations, with more details on the program and ticket sales to be announced later.

During the festival, Lee Child will discuss his upcoming Jack Reacher book, Exit Strategy, co-written with his brother Andrew Child, which is set for release on November 4, 2025.

Additionally, Child will talk about his first autobiographical collection, The Stories Behind the Stories, which is scheduled for release in September 2025.

Kate Fenton, the festival patron, describes Whitby as a 'book lover's playground' and highlights its significance as an inspiration for writers, referencing various literary figures associated with the town.