A look ahead to the 2025 Bournemouth Writing Festival

In the heart of Bournemouth, an award-winning festival is quietly changing lives. More than a celebration of storytelling, the Bournemouth Writing Festival is a movement - one that champions unheard voices, nurtures creativity, and makes writing accessible to all. Returning for its third year, April 25-27, the festival offers three days of 100 inspiring talks, workshops, literary agent 1-2-1s and networking events to inspire all writers to write. But beyond the bestselling authors and industry experts, its true impact lies in the community it serves.

This year’s Bournemouth Writing Festival includes free workshops for adults with additional needs as well as those facing homelessness or financial hardship. ‘Pay what you can’ sessions, alongside showcasing underrepresented writers, also ensures that everyone - regardless of background - has a chance to be heard. This includes The Outsiders Project, supporting ex-prisoners and recovering addicts, which helps participants find their voice through writing and performance.

Young people are also at the heart of the festival. In partnership with the RNLI and Hengistbury Head Writers Group, a competition for schools and home-educated children is encouraging children to craft thrilling water-based adventures while learning about water safety. Teaching resources were created to help them shape their stories including a video and educator resources. Free drop-in sessions (April 26) are at the co-working space Patch Bournemouth in the former Bobbys in The Square.

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