Draft:Bournemouth Writing Festival

Bournemouth Writing Festival

The Bournemouth Writing Festival is a community-focused, annual writing event held in Bournemouth, Dorset, spanning three days each April. Founded in 2023 by entrepreneur and marketing consultant Dominic Wong^[1], the festival aims to inspire writers of all levels through a series of talks, panels, workshops, and community-focused activities. The festival's slogan, "Inspiring Writers to Write," encapsulates its mission to motivate and support writers and poets of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

History

The inaugural Bournemouth Writing Festival took place from April 23 to 25, 2023. Hosted mainly at Arts University Bournemouth's Palace Court Theatre^[2], additional events were held at THIS Workspace and The Avenue Shopping Centre. The 2024 festival, held on April 25-27, expanded to Pavilion Dance South West^[3], The Avenue Shopping Centre, and Bobbys department store. Key events included a typewriter showcase in the Lower Gardens Bandstand and literary heritage tours of local landmarks, such as Mary Shelley's grave and the Hotel Miramar, where J.R.R. Tolkien frequently holidayed^[4].

Festival Highlights

The festival programme features a variety of sessions led by BAFTA-winning screenwriters, best-selling authors, journalists, poets, and literary agents, designed to engage writers of all experience levels. Notable 2024 events included "Writing on the Beach" with Richard & Judy Book Club winner Christine Aziz^[5] and live music / improvisation event hosted by Bourn Jammy.

In 2024, attendees were able to participate in one-on-one sessions with literary agents, receive personalised feedback, and join networking events such as Genre Breakfasts and Mealtime Meetups. Evening events showcased local writers and community groups, including LGBT writers and asylum seekers, in an open-mic format^[6].

Partnerships and Support

The festival collaborates with local businesses and institutions, promoting community engagement. Initiatives include the Creative Writing Workshop for Adults with Additional Needs, offered in partnership with Tricuro Care. Arts University Bournemouth and Bournemouth University also provide in-kind support, with lecturers participating as speakers and judges for competitions. Bradford Gyori, course leader of Bournemouth University's MA Creative Writing and Publishing program, serves on the festival's Advisory Board^[7].

In 2024, a collaboration with the Winchester Poetry Festival resulted in the creation of a Poetry Hub, offering live performances and drop-in sessions.

Funding

The Bournemouth Town Centre BID^[8] funds the festival through a three-year agreement, with additional 2024 support from Arts Council England. The funding enables pay-what-you-can pricing for many activities. Additional income comes from sponsorships and ticket sales.

Competitions

The Bournemouth Writing Festival features various competitions, such as the Poetry and Flash Fiction Competition. In 2024, this competition was launched in collaboration with local publisher Dithering Chaps, with proceeds supporting the writing charity Vita Nova^[9]. The Children’s Competition, held in partnership with AFC Bournemouth, provides schoolchildren with writing prompts and prizes like stadium visits^[10]. Additionally, an International Students Competition encourages students to share their experiences of Bournemouth.

Romance Writing Festival

In 2025, the Bournemouth Writing Festival introduced the Romance Writing Festival, a one-day event with an exclusive second-day premium programme held in Bournemouth in mid-October. The Romance Writing Festival brings together romance authors, industry professionals, and enthusiasts for a day of talks, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. Key sessions feature discussions on romance writing trends, genre-specific marketing strategies, and relationship-building among writers and readers ^[11].

Ongoing Activities

Beyond the annual event, the Bournemouth Writing Festival hosts year-round writing groups and monthly networking events^[12]. The festival's online presence includes a Facebook writing group and a YouTube channel^[13] offering interviews and tips for writers.

[1] ttps://www.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/where-to-live/london-leavers-wong-ealing-bournemouth-dorset-b1144136.html

[2] ttps://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23463064.bournemouth-writing-festival-2023-held-weekend/

[3] ttps://www.pdsw.org.uk/bournemouth-writing-festival/

[4] ttps://miramar-bournemouth.com/our-history/

[5] ttps://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/christine-aziz-the-book-prize-that-changed-my-life-319009.html

[6] ttps://www.pdsw.org.uk/whats-on/writing-home-stories-from-the-edges-of-print/

[7] ttps://staffprofiles.bournemouth.ac.uk/display/bgyori

[8] ttps://towncentrebid.co.uk/bid-support-for-bournemouth-writing-festival/

[9] ttps://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bournemouth-festival-competition/

[10] ttps://www.dorsetbiznews.co.uk/news/writing-festival-winners-earn-surprise-visit-from-afc-bournemouths-womens-team/

[11] ttps://www.romancewritingfestival.co.uk/

[12] ttps://www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk/networking-events

[13] ttps://www.youtube.com/@bournemouthwritingfestival

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