Si King set to visit Whitby in 2026 Literary Festival

Whitby Lit Fest is set to return this November, promising more than 50 author events, in a packed programme featuring bestselling authors, broadcasters and performers.

Among the headline guests is Si King of the Hairy Bikers, who will appear with his first solo cookbook, Proper Home Cooking, sharing stories from his career on screen and on the road.

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Internationally acclaimed novelist John Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas will also appear with broadcaster and novelist Steph McGovern for a conversation about his latest novel, The Weight of Angels.

John Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, will appear with broadcaster and novelist Steph McGovern for a conversation about his latest novel, The Weight of Angels (Image: Supplied)

Louise Minchin, former BBC Breakfast presenter, will discuss her forthcoming thriller, while Dr Sian Williams, journalist-turned-psychologist, explores themes from her new book The Power of Anxiety.

Channel 4 news presenter Alex Thomson will interview political commentator Peter Oborne about his latest work, Complicit.

A wave of crime fiction will arrive on the coast with one of the genre’s biggest names, Ann Cleeves.

Other guests include this year’s Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger winner Mark Billingham and Elly Griffiths, who will discuss her novella The Case of the Christmas Card.

The Whitby Lit Fest’s patron, novelist and former BBC radio producer Kate Fenton, said: “We always suspected the quirky, gothic charms of Whitby would attract bookworms.

“Even so, no-one could have predicted the instant, sell-out success of our very first Lit Fest last year.

“And this November’s line-up is, if anything, even more exciting.

“Four days crammed with gripping stories, sparky conversations and revealing interviews.

“Entertainment, inspiration, wit, wisdom – and fish and chips.

“What more could any book lover want?”

The festival will also explore the world of screenwriting.

Matt Baker will be in conversation with Emmy-winning writer David Quantick.

Baker is the creator of Channel 4’s Patience and ITV’s A Taste for Murder, while Quantick’s credits include Veep, The Thick of It and The Book of Love.

Elsewhere, actor Greta Scacchi will reflect on the books that shaped her career in conversation with arts journalist Jasper Rees, who will discuss his new official memoir of Michael Gambon, who she shared the stage and screen with.

Other highlights include royal biographer Andrew Lownie’s talk on the fall of the former Prince Andrew, and appearances from travel writers Ben Aitken and Tom Sykes.

The gothic spirit of Whitby will be celebrated with appearances from leading writers of gothic fiction and folk horror including Joanne Harris, Laura Purcell, Jess Kidd, Amanda Mason, Lucie McKnight Hardy and Essie Fox.

The festival will also showcase Whitby’s Heritage Sculpture Trail and the Wirefolk of Whitby, featuring sculptor Emma Stothard and writer Tim Kelly.

For younger readers, there will be a special family event with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, who will help announce the winners of the festival’s children’s writing competition.

Lois Kirtlan, chair of Whitby Lit Fest, said: “Following the huge success of our inaugural Lit Fest last year, I’m delighted that the team has once again pulled together such a fabulous and diverse line-up for this year’s festival.

“We’re also incredibly proud to have been awarded charitable status, which gives Whitby Lit Fest a strong foundation for the future.

“We want the festival to continue to become an important part of Whitby’s cultural calendar for many years to come.

“We’re encouraging local businesses and individuals to get behind us and help make that possible.

“There are a range of sponsorship opportunities available, and donations can also be made through our website.

“Every contribution, large or small, will help us build on the success of the festival and secure its future.”

Events are scheduled from November 19 to 22. 

Tickets go on sale August 31. For more information please see here.