BVI Lit Fest Returns November 5
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will host BVI Lit Fest 2026 from November 5 to 8 across Tortola and Beef Island. The literary festival features acclaimed regional authors, spoken word poets, and hands-on writing workshops under the theme Mouth Open, Story Jump Out. Attendees can experience four major evening and daytime events alongside six specialized writing sessions.
Caribbean writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts will gather in the Virgin Islands from November 5 to 8 for the return of BVI Lit Fest 2026. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), this year's festival is organized under the theme "Mouth Open, Story Jump Out" and aims to celebrate regional storytelling through author panels, poetry performances, music, and culinary experiences.
HLSCC noted that the goal of the festival is to serve as a meaningful cultural gathering for the entire region. The 2026 lineup features a distinguished roster of acclaimed international and regional writers, including authors Etaf Rum, Claire Adam, and Ingrid Persaud. Spoken word and literary arts will also take center stage with featured poets Anthony Joseph, Safiyya Chance, Johanna Gibson, and Yara Liceaga.
The festival's main schedule spans four days with events hosted at scenic venues across Tortola and Beef Island. The programme begins on Thursday, November 5, with the Writers' Welcome Reception at Allamanda Estate on Beef Island. On Friday evening, attendees can head to Brandywine Estate Restaurant on Tortola for Sunset Stories.
On Saturday, Loose Mongoose on Beef Island will host Light A Fire: Poets' Showcase, moderated and hosted by Derron Sandy. All three evening events are scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with individual tickets priced at $100. The festivities culminate on Sunday, November 8, with a Book Brunch hosted by Marsha Massiah at 1748 Restaurant, located at Long Bay Beach Resort, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition to a curated dining experience, the brunch will feature the official announcement of the 2026 Writing Competition winners and unveil the festival theme for 2027. Individual tickets for the brunch are $115. Aspiring writers and media professionals can also participate in six dedicated workshops taking place on Saturday, November 7.
The educational sessions will cover a wide range of disciplines, including poetry, journalism, young adult fiction, oral tradition, visual storytelling, and publishing. Organizers are offering an All-Access Pass for $325, providing a $90 savings across the four marquee events, as well as a Premium VIP Package for $475.
Given limited venue capacities, residents and visitors are encouraged to secure passes early at bvilitfest.com.
Primary source: BVI Platinum