The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in collaboration with the Department of Culture is inviting the public to gather with prize-winning authors and influential thinkers at the third installment of the BVI Literary Fest (Lit Fest) from November 2-5, 2023 under the theme 'Tell Your Story'. Photo: VINO/File

Poster featuring Yesha Townsend, a Bermudian writer who received her B.M. in music composition and an M.A. in creative writing at Goldsmiths, University of London. In Fall 2020, she began lecturing in the English Department at Bermuda College, teaching Freshman Composition and Studies in Bermudian and Caribbean Literature. Photo: HLSCC/Facebook

AA release on the festive added that this year, the festival boasts a line-up featuring current Booker Prize shortlisted writer Jonathan Escoffery, Nobel Prize economist Paul Krugman, writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch, New York Times bestselling novelist Charmaine Wilkerson, and more award-winning writers and emerging Caribbean voices including Ayanna Lloyd Banwo, Canisia Lubrin, Shivanee Ramlochan and Amanda Hernandez.

The theme centers around the power of narratives and the voices that share them, the beauty of diversity, and the magic that happens when stories come authentically to life.

Aspiring writers, students, and the public are all encouraged to participate in the upcoming festival events which are free of charge – with the exception of the Writers’ Workshop.

Over 40-plus persons to be featured 

Among the speakers already announced, this year’s vibrant and diverse festival will play host to over 40+ local and international writers, speakers, publishing professionals, and festival organizers and will feature readings, engaging author talks and lectures, writing workshops, book signings, panel discussions, literary agent one-on-ones, and a children’s programme.

In the lead-up to the festival, HLSCC will also host a poetry slam and a writing competition. 

The BVI Literary Festival featuring writers, poets, publishers, booksellers and book lover founded in November 2021 as part of the Department of Culture’s Culture and Tourism Month activities and operates in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.  

This three-day celebration is presented by premier sponsor Unite BVI Foundation; diamond sponsors VP Bank and DLT Solutions; silver sponsors National Bank of the Virgin Islands, OBM International, and Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee Trust (BVI); sponsoring partner JOMA Properties and other supporters.