For the first time in almost ten years, the Plymouth Literary Festival is returning, transforming the city into a lively celebration of books, creativity and community.
Taking place over the weekend of February 14 and 15, the festival is set to become a major cultural moment for Plymouth, welcoming book lovers, aspiring writers and families for two days of talks, workshops and interactive events.
Hosted at the Portland Square Building on the University of Plymouth campus, the programme has been carefully curated to appeal to a wide audience. Whether you enjoy crime thrillers, romance, non-fiction or are simply looking for an engaging weekend activity with children, the message from organisers is clear: literature is for everyone.
The 2026 programme opens on Valentine’s Day with a diverse range of events. One of the highlights is the 7 Summits Lecture with adventurer Ed Buckingham at 11am, offering stories of endurance and exploration for those drawn to real-life adventure.
Aspiring authors can also take part in a practical morning workshop titled The Business of Self-Publishing, led by Elizabeth Ducie. The session promises valuable insight into the publishing industry and the realities of bringing a book to market.
Sunday February 15 places a strong focus on fiction, with a headline appearance from Sunday Times best-selling author Jane Corry. Speaking at 2.30pm, she will reflect on her journey from writing romantic short stories to becoming a leading voice in domestic noir.
Crime fiction fans are also well catered for. A Crime Writer Panel at midday on Sunday will bring together authors Caroline Serpell, Stephanie Austin and Helena Dixon to explore what makes a compelling murder mystery, from building suspense to delivering the perfect twist.
Families and younger readers play a central role in the festival. Saturday afternoon includes a Fantasy Map Drawing Workshop for children aged six to 16, encouraging creativity and imagination. Younger audiences can also enjoy the Bosun Bob Arts and Crafts Session and the Piskey Paths Puppet Show, designed to introduce storytelling through play.
Community connection sits at the heart of the event. The Plymouth Writer’s Group Open Mic sessions, taking place at 12pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday, give local writers and poets the chance to share their work in front of a live audience.
For those looking to understand the publishing world, the From Pen to Publication panel on Sunday morning brings together six industry professionals to offer practical guidance on navigating the route to publication.
Many events across the weekend are free to attend, although organisers advise booking in advance through Eventbrite to secure places for popular talks and workshops.
Full details, including tickets and timings, can be found at plymouthlitfest.co.uk
