BVI Lit Fest brings Caribbean writers to islands for four-day celebration

The British Virgin Islands will serve as a regional literary hub this week as BVI Lit Fest 2026 takes place from Thursday, November 5 through Sunday, November 8, drawing authors, poets, publishers and readers from across the Caribbean.

Organised by H. Lavity Stoutt Community College under the theme "Mouth Open, Story Jump Out", the four-day programme combines literary events with food, music and performances at venues across Tortola and Beef Island.

Thursday evening opens with the Writers' Welcome Reception at Allamanda Estate on Beef Island from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Friday's Sunset Stories takes place at Brandywine Estate Restaurant in Tortola, pairing readings and conversation with ocean views. Saturday brings Light A Fire: Poets' Showcase at Loose Mongoose on Beef Island from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, led by performance artist Derron Sandy. The festival concludes Sunday with Book Brunch at 1748 Restaurant, Long Bay Beach Resort from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, where the 2026 Writing Competition winners will be announced and the 2027 festival theme unveiled.

Featured authors include Etaf Rum, Claire Adam and Ingrid Persaud, whose writing addresses contemporary fiction, Caribbean identity and themes of migration and family. The poetry line-up features Anthony Joseph, Safiyya Chance, Johanna Gibson and Yara Liceaga, with Marsha Massiah moderating Sunday's brunch.

Saturday also includes workshops for emerging writers covering poetry, journalism, young adult fiction, oral tradition, visual storytelling and publishing.

Dr Richard E. Georges, President of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, said the festival aims to unite writers and readers across the region. "We want this festival to feel like a gathering of the whole region," he said. "Writers from across the Caribbean are coming to the British Virgin Islands to share their work, and we want readers from across the Caribbean to come and listen."

Tickets are available for individual events and workshops. An all-access pass covers entry to all four main events. Further information and registration can be found at www.bvilitfest.com.