Wolverhampton Literature Festival will return from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 February 2026, bringing together a dynamic mix of authors, poets, performers, and creatives for a weekend of storytelling, discussion, and cultural celebration delivered across the city’s cultural venues.

The festival is now open for submissions and organisers want to hear from authors, poets, spoken word artists, performers, workshop facilitators and panellists of all kinds.

Submissions are welcomed for a wide range of events, including:

• Author talks and readings
• Panel discussions
• Creative workshops
• Spoken word and poetry performances
• Interactive and multi disciplinary performances

While rooted in literature, Wolverhampton Literature Festival is committed to celebrating diverse art forms and voices. The festival continues to provide a platform for both emerging and established talent, with a particular focus on championing creative voices from Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands region.

The festival also strongly encourages proposals from those who are underrepresented in arts programming, including but not limited to disabled artists and individuals from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Please submit your proposals through the online Proposal Form or as a 5 to 10 minute audio/video entry by emailing LitFest@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Applications must include:

• An event title
• Speaker(s) biography and contact details
• Proposal outline (maximum 250 words)
• Budget breakdown (including artist and commissioning fees, materials, etc.)
• Any technical requirements or special considerations

The deadline for proposals is Sunday 17 August and they will be evaluated based on creativity, relevance, and potential to engage the audience. Successful applicants will be notified by mid September. Please read the terms and conditions before submitting a proposal.