The Bournemouth Writing Festival has been awarded the GOLD prize for the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year category at the Dorset Tourism Awards, marking a major milestone for the festival less than 2.5 years after its inception.
Since its launch in 2023, the Bournemouth Writing Festival has quickly established itself in Bournemouth’s cultural calendar, attracting attendees from across the UK, with 30% of attendees living outside Dorset. The festival’s mission is to inspire and support writers of all levels, offering 100 free and ticketed workshops, talks, walks and networking opportunities in venues across Bournemouth Town Centre. This supports and showcases many cafes, restaurants and local businesses in the area.
A key part of its ethos is accessibility and inclusivity, demonstrated through its free workshops for marginalised or disadvantaged members of the community, international students and its Dorset schools and home-educated writing competition. This year’s children’s writing competition is in partnership with the RNLI and Hengistbury Head Writers’ Group, and encourages young people to write adventurous lifesaving stories with water safety in mind. An international poetry and short story competition was launched with Bournemouth University, and writing groups takes place in libraries across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Festival Director Dominic Wong commented: “Winning GOLD at the Dorset Tourism Awards is an incredible honour, especially with all the fantastic events happening across our wonderful county. To win gold so soon after our inception shows the power of community, collaboration and what can happen with a bit of passion and energy. This award belongs to our wonderful community of writers, attendees, volunteers, speakers, venues, sponsors, and cheerleaders who support us and make the festival what it is. I set out to create an event that welcomes everyone, whether they’re just starting their writing journey or are seasoned professionals regardless of their age, ability or background, and to see it grow so rapidly in just 2.5 years is truly remarkable.”
The Festival/Tourism Event of the Year was the only category at the Dorset Tourism Award to have two gold winners – the other being the Arts By the Sea Festival, also located in Bournemouth Town Centre. The ceremony took place at the Marsham Court Hotel and the category was sponsored by Tomorrows Travel.
The Bournemouth Writing Festival takes place on 25th, 26th and 27th April 2025, in venues across Bournemouth Town Centre, including Pavilion Dance, Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, St Peter’s Church and Patch (which will feature free children’s drop-in sessions in Saturday 26th April. A free Poetry Hub in the Bandstand in the Lower Gardens will offer family-friendly poetry sessions and activities.
A Romance Writing Festival will take place at the Royal Bath Hotel on 18th October 2025.
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