The highly anticipated Wolverhampton Literature Festival will return from Friday 6 February 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 our 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. Whether you are local talent or lighting up stages nationwide, this is your chance to be part of one of Wolverhampton’s flagship events.
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.
How to Submit a Proposal:
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.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of 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 – step into the spotlight!”
Wolverhampton Art Gallery is free to visit Monday to Saturday 10.30am until 4.30pm and Sunday 11am until 4pm. Glaze café is open Monday to Saturday 10.30am until 4pm and Sunday 11am until 3.30pm. For more information visit Wolverhampton Arts and Culture.