Bournemouth, Events & Entertainment | Posted on October 21st, 2025 | return to news

Gold again for Bournemouth Writing Festival

The Dorset Tourism Awards for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year ceremony took place at Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday 16 October.

For the second year running, the Bournemouth Writing Festival has been awarded Gold at the Dorset Tourism Awards for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year.

Since its launch in 2023, the festival has brought together thousands of writers, poets and writing professionals from across the UK and beyond. The Gold award recognises not only the flagship April festival and the work it does with underrepresented members of the community, but also the festival’s growing programme of events that run throughout the year. It also provides a welcome boost for the town’s hotels, restaurants and shops outside of the busy summer months.

On Saturday 18 October, the Romance Writing Festival at the Royal Bath Hotel welcomed Sunday Times bestselling authors, agents and publishing professionals to the area.

And on 13 November, a special Robert Louis Stevenson celebration will mark the Jekyll & Hyde writer’s 175th birthday with talks, readings and performances at his former Westbourne home where he wrote ‘Strange Case of Jekyll & Hyde’.

Looking ahead to 2026, January will see the return of the Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary (16–18 January), a three-day retreat giving writers the space and inspiration to immerse themselves in their work at Patch in the town centre.

With the main festival dates now confirmed for 24–26 April 2026, applications are already open for speakers and facilitators to be part of next year’s programme.

Festival Director Dominic Wong said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win Gold again at the Dorset Tourism Awards. It’s a huge honour for all the volunteers, facilitators and writers who help make this such a special event. What makes me most proud is how the festival is growing — not only bringing thousands of visitors to Bournemouth but also running a busy year-round programme of writing events and activities that inspire writers to write regardless of their age, background or ability.

“This award is for everyone who has supported us on the journey so far.”

The Dorset Tourism Awards were held at Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday 16 October. Other finalists for the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year were Poole Harbour Festival, Swanage Festival and Dino Week 2025. The award is sponsored by Tomorrow’s Travel.

Other Dorset Tourism Award winners included The Old Thatch in Wimborne which was awarded Pub of the Year, and Hoburne Park which won a Bronze Award.

For more information and to apply to take part in the 2026 Bournemouth Writing Festival, visit bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk.