Sunday Times bestselling authors Milly Johnson and Paige Toon will headline the inaugural Romance Writing Festival, taking place in Bournemouth on 18th October 2025. They join fellow Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde on an impressive programme featuring award-winning authors, editors, literary agents, and publishers.
The one-day event is dedicated to romance writing, offering a mix of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees can also book one-to-one sessions with agents and editors or take part in free activities designed to inspire writers at all stages of their journey.
Held at the seafront Grade-11-listed Royal Bath Hotel, the festival will host a marketplace where delegates can meet and mingle with authors, agents, and publishers. Additional activities include Proof Parties, book launches, beach walks, romance-themed literary walks of Bournemouth’s famous authors, and yoga on the beach. Writers will also have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea with editors.
Literary agent Megan Carroll (Watson, Little) and editors Jennie Ayers (Hero/Canelo), Charlotte Ledger (One More Chapter), and Emily Ruston (Boldwood) will be offering private 1-2-1 sessions, where writers can pitch their books or receive personalised feedback to help them improve and progress in their writing journey.
Other confirmed speakers include Zen Cho (Pan Macmillan), Philippa Ashley (Penguin), Sue Moorcroft (Avon), and Jo Thomas (Transworld), alongside authors Lola Jaye, Jeevani Charika, and Kel Menton.
Milly Johnson, who has sold over 2.5 million books in the UK alone, with her work publishing in more than twenty countries, said: “There is a great thirst for romance worldwide, yet it is still sometimes viewed as less worthy than other genres – a ridiculous fallacy that is well overdue for quashing. Festivals like this one, following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Bournemouth Writing Festival, are so needed. What a marvellous idea to hold it in such a beautiful place, with its huge sweeping beaches, rousing sea air, and reputation for attracting literary greats.”
Paige Toon, whose novels have sold over 2 million copies worldwide, added: “I’m thrilled to be part of the first Romance Writing Festival in Bournemouth. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for writers and romance lovers alike to connect, share inspiration and knowledge, and celebrate this ever-popular genre. Romance has some of the most tenacious, creative and supportive authors in the publishing business who I can’t wait to meet; it’s sure to be a very special weekend.”
Festival Director Dominic Wong commented: “Bournemouth has long been a magnet for creatives of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. A couple of weeks after the Romance Writing Festival marks the 175th anniversary of Robert Louis Stevenson’s birth—he wrote The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde just a few miles away. Hosting a festival for romance writers, a genre that captivates millions, is a testament to Bournemouth’s literary legacy and forward-thinking ethos.”
The Romance Writing Festival takes place at the Grade-II-listed Royal Bath Hotel Bournemouth on Saturday 18th October. Tickets are £74 for the day event, £52.50 for the evening networking event, and £899 for the VIP package, which includes events on Friday 17th October with a masterclass with Katie Fforde, private dinner, two nights’ sea-view accommodation, spa access, and breakfast. Early bird discounts are available.
Tickets are available at www.romancewritingfestival.co.uk.
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