Creative types invited to bring new ideas to 2026 Wolverhampton Literature Festival

The popular festival will return to venues across Wolverhampton from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8, with a dynamic mix of authors, poets, performers, and creatives coming together for a weekend of storytelling, discussion, and cultural celebration.

The festival is now opening up for submissions from authors, poets, spoken word artists, performers, workshop facilitators and panellists of all kinds. 

Organisers said that submissions were welcomed for a wide range of events, including, author talks and readings, panel discussions, creative workshops, spoken word and poetry performances and interactive and multi-disciplinary performances.

A spokesman for Wolverhampton Literature Festival said the festival was also committed to celebrating the diversity of the city and wanted to put on events from underrepresented communities.

The spokesman said: "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."

Applicants can submit a proposal through the online Proposal Form or as a five to 10 minute audio/video entry by emailing LitFest@wolverhampton.gov.uk 

Applications must include an event title, speaker(s) biography and contact details, a proposal outline, with a maximum of 250 words, a budget breakdown, including artist and commissioning fees, materials and other items, and any technical requirements or special considerations.

Wolverhampton Council said the deadline for proposals was Sunday, August 17 and proposals would then be evaluated based on creativity, relevance, and potential to engage the audience, with successful applicants will notified by mid-September.

Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Wolverhampton Literature Festival is a celebration of stories, voices, and creativity that bring our community together. 

“Whether you are an emerging talent or a seasoned storyteller, we invite you to share your passion, challenge perspectives, and ignite imagination. 

"This is your stage, so step into the spotlight."