“Best event in Bournemouth” returns for third year

Bournemouth Writing Festival – 25-27 April

Celebrating its third year, the Bournemouth Writing Festival continues to inspire writers and readers alike and was recently described in our Visitor Survey as “the best event in Bournemouth”.

Taking place from 25 to 27 April, this festival offers workshops, talks, and networking opportunities with top literary talent, using Bournemouth town centre venues including Bobby’s, Patch, Flirt, Waterstones, Picnic Park Deli, South Coast, Maravi & Wellness, Cosy Club and Caffe Nero.

The 2024 event featured 103 activities over three days, drawing in local and visiting literary enthusiasts alike. Highlights included 11 genre-themed
breakfasts in cafes and 7 meetups in restaurants, fostering a creative and sociable atmosphere.

The festival delivered significant benefits to the town centre. A survey revealed that 65% of attendees felt more positive about Bournemouth, and 85% spent money in local businesses, with over 40% spending more than £50. One in four attendees participated in all three days of events, reflecting the festival’s strong appeal.

Feedback emphasised the festival’s role in rediscovering the town’s offerings: “I also want to visit Bournemouth town centre again, more regularly,” said one visitor, while another shared, “I had the opportunity to visit a few venues I have never visited before.” Meanwhile, businesses were delighted with the additional footfall: “The shop floor was a constant stream of new visitors thanks to the workshops you were running. We hadn’t had such good footfall or sales since Mother’s Day weekend… lots of people saying they wish they had known we were here and promising to return again soon.”

Dominic Wong, Festival Director of the Bournemouth Writing Festival, said: “When I approached the Town Centre BID with the idea of a writing festival in Bournemouth, the encouragement, positivity and support were fantastic. The initial funding, plus the ongoing business support, meant I could develop a quality experience from day one, and allowed me to build and create what has become a nationally renowned cultural event attracting writers, authors and writing professionals from across the country.”

Image credit: Solid Imagery