Discover a wonderful world of words in Worcestershire

Promoting writing, poetry and performance in Worcestershire

As a community-driven literary organisation, the Worcestershire Literary Festival and Fringe CIC was established in 2010 with the goal of promoting literature and poetry in the region. Inspired by the success of similar events in other cities, it saw an opportunity to bring together writers, readers, and performers in Worcestershire through a series of events and activities.

One of the main objectives is to provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work and connect with like-minded individuals. This is done through regular open mic nights, at which anyone can sign up to read or perform their work. These monthly gatherings have become a staple in the festival's event calendar, and have helped foster a supportive and creative environment for aspiring writers.

All profits are ploughed back into running a calendar of events, and funding prizes and awards: young writer, flash fiction and, the iconic Worcestershire Poet Laureate award. The Laureate is chosen each year via an annual open competition. The winner is tasked with promoting poetry, the festival AND Worcestershire at many poetry and spoken word events during their year of tenure.

This year's Litfest is taking place in Worcester from Sunday 8 - Saturday 14 June. 

Festival Highlights

Sun 8 June, 1pm Huntingdon Hall Foyer Bar: THE LAUNCH
Featuring the crowning of the festival's NEW Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Young Writer and Flash Fiction Competition winners. Hosted by former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Suz Winspear.

Mon 9 June, 7pm Boston Tea Party, Worcester: Paint Chip Poetry Workshop (7-8 pm) & Big Lit Quiz (8:30-9:30pm)

Tues 10 June, 7:30pm Worcester 42: Festival Special (HYBRID)
Live at Script Haven or online via Zoom. Hosted by former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Suz Winspear. A gothic/horror, open mic night. Prose & poetry.

Wednesday 11 June, 7:30pm The Chestnut: LIVE music, comedy and mayhem!
Music from Liam and Abi who perform as 'Nothin' But Dust', poetry and comedy from Mark Jefferis, aka: The iambic Assassin and Tim Cranmore, Former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, as a poet, carrot carver, and pianist as well.

Thursday 12 June, 7:30pm Boston Tea Party, Worcester: The SpeakEasy Festival Special!
Open Mic night and the first Headline set from our NEW Worcestershire Poet Laureate, an extended set by Freddie Barker AND the official handover of the newly engraved WPL trophy, + open mic (FULLY BOOKED).

Friday 13 June, 7:30pm The Old Palace: HIDDEN
A wonderful live poetry and art exhibition reading and slide show. Collaboration with Susan Birth Artist
10 poets and 10 artists join together to explore the theme of 'Hidden'.

An Exhibition of the original artwork and poetry from the Hidden Collaboration opens on Saturday 7 June, and runs until Sunday 29 June at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.


Saturday 14 June, 10am St John's Library: LITleFest & Fringe Children's Workshop
A Creative Children’s Workshop with former Worcestershire Poet Laureate Freddie Barker & LitFest Director Martin Driscoll. Devised by Nina Lewis.

Sat 14 June, 7:30pm The Angel Centre: Dancefest Collaboration
Home/The Road, with guests Amanda Bonnick and Dancefest, the LitFest Poetry Collective, and select open mics all join together in a night of poetry and dance! Hosted by former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Suz Winspear.