Caribbean writers and poets will gather in the Virgin Islands from November 5 to 8 for BVI Lit Fest 2026, featuring four main events and six writing workshops across Tortola and Beef Island.
Hosted by H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) under the theme “Mouth Open, Story Jump Out”, the festival will combine author discussions and live poetry with food and music.
“We want this festival to feel like a gathering of the whole region,” HLSCC said.
Featured guests include authors Etaf Rum, Claire Adam and Ingrid Persaud, alongside poets Anthony Joseph, Safiyya Chance, Johanna Gibson and Yara Liceaga.
The programme opens on Thursday, November 5, with a Writers’ Welcome Reception at Allamanda Estate on Beef Island, followed by Sunset Stories at Brandywine Estate Restaurant on Friday.
On Saturday, Loose Mongoose on Beef Island will host Light A Fire: Poets’ Showcase, with Derron Sandy hosting the evening. All three events run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with tickets costing $100 each.
The festival concludes on Sunday with a Book Brunch hosted by Marsha Massiah at 1748 Restaurant, Long Bay Beach Resort, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets cost $115.
“The brunch also announces the 2026 Writing Competition winners and reveals the 2027 theme,” HLSCC stated.
Six workshops will take place on Saturday, November 7, covering poetry, journalism, young adult fiction, oral tradition, visual storytelling and publishing. Each costs $30.
An All-Access Pass covering the four main events costs $325, offering a $90 saving on individual tickets. A Premium VIP Package is also available for $475.
Spaces are limited. Tickets, the full programme and speaker details are available at bvilitfest.com.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.