Taking place from 8 – 26 February, LitFest 2025 will feature an exuberant blend of events celebrating creative writing across Northeast Lincolnshire. Drawing visitors from around the globe, The Hammond House Literary Festival will culminate in a spectacular Festival Finale and Awards Ceremony at the University Centre Grimsby. This year, the RSA Central continues its vital support of the event, sponsoring the Poetry category for the third year running.
What is The Hammond House Literary Festival?
Founded in 2016 by students at the University Centre Grimsby, Hammond House started as an independent publishing company dedicated to helping aspiring writers get published. Over the years, it has evolved into a community of organisations supporting creative talent across all forms of art. Now in its ninth year, the International Literary Festival sees the highlight of the festival on 26 February with a full day of literary events at the University Centre Grimsby.
A partnership with the RSA
For the second year running, the RSA has proudly supported this event, sponsoring the poetry category. The fortunate winner will receive a £500 cash prize, be inaugurated as a Fellow and have their first year’s fees covered. The 2024 winner, also sponsored by the RSA, will officially receive their award in a televised ceremony during the Festival Finale, for this true celebration of the written word.
What’s on?
Starting on 8 February, immerse yourself in a series of engaging events and workshops throughout the festival, culminating on 26 February with the televised Awards Ceremony for the 2024 International Literary Prize and the exciting launch of the 2025 competition. Among the guests will be award winners, including one travelling all the way from Australia to join this unmissable celebration.
On the day, expect opportunities to connect, poetry sessions, a book fair and special talks from bestselling thriller writer Nick Louth and screenwriter Lisa Holdsworth about her career in the industry. And hear from us, the RSA, on how to follow in the footsteps of William Wilberforce and Sir Richard Attenborough and become a Fellow of the RSA.
Celebrate the achievements of the 2024 award winners in categories spanning stories, poetry, scripts, and songs. Be among the first to discover the secret theme for the 2025 competition, unveiled alongside a new theme song by local prog-rock band North Wall Cosa, and learn about two new competitions for young writers: The Jean Cooper-Moran Prize for Poetry and The Nick Louth Prize for Fiction.
Stay tuned for the launch of 2025 TIME anthologies inspired by the theme of the 2024 International Literary Prize. These collections feature award-winning entries, including winners, highly commended, and shortlisted works in the short story and poetry categories, alongside Editor’s and Judges’ choices, as well as excerpts from scripts and songs.
Supporting creative impact
The RSA is honoured to back this prestigious event, showcasing the incredible creativity and culture flourishing in North East Lincolnshire. Ted Stanley, Founder and CEO of Hammond House commented:“We are grateful for the tremendous support from our publishing division, Hammond House Publishing, the University Centre Grimsby, Create North East Lincolnshire, Arts Council England and the Royal Society of Art. Without their support, we would not be able to stage this prestigious event that puts North East Lincolnshire firmly on the map as a centre of culture and creativity.”
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