The BVI Literary Arts Festival—affectionately known as the BVI Lit Fest—is where the Virgin Islands meets the world through the power of words. Each year in November, our shores become a stage for writers, poets, publishers, and book lovers to gather in celebration of literature, culture, and community.

More than a festival, Lit Fest is a living conversation. It’s where stories are shared, identities explored, and creativity given room to shine. Through workshops, panel discussions, readings, and performances, we spotlight voices from across the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and the wider world—honouring our heritage while pushing the boundaries of what literature can mean today.

The BVI Lit Fest is rooted in a simple belief: that literature builds bridges. Here, in the Virgin Islands, we welcome everyone to cross them.

History 

The BVI Literary Festival was founded in November 2021 as a signature feature of the Department of Culture’s Culture and Tourism Month, in partnership with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Its inaugural staging, held from 2–13 November 2021, set a strong foundation with a robust lineup of events and international talent.

Festival highlights included:

• Writing with Writers’ Workshops in poetry, publishing, and non-fiction, led by acclaimed authors such as Virgin Islands Poet Laureate Dr. Richard Georges, Anthony Anaxagorou, and Andre Bagoo.
• Let’s Talk Lit Panel Discussions exploring essay writing, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, featuring literary voices including Amanda Choo Quan, Amilcar Sanatan, Cadwell Turnbull, Tiphanie Yanique, Tami Navarro, Raymond Antrobus, Canisia Lubrin, and Desiree Seebaran.
• A community Book Fair and an unforgettable Evening of Music and Poetry, weaving together art forms to close the celebration in true Virgin Islands style.

Since its debut, the BVI Lit Fest has grown into an annual cultural highlight, proudly hosting a diverse programme of workshops, readings, book launches, and events. Each year, the festival continues to welcome both emerging and established authors, creating a vibrant space for reflection, connection, and deeper dialogue on cultural identity through literature.

Resilient and rising, the BVI Lit Fest stands as a testament to the Territory’s creative spirit—an evolving tradition that celebrates the stories of the Virgin Islands while engaging with the diaspora and wider world.