BVI Lit Fest 2024: International Writers and Local Talent Shine Under “Roots to Routes” Theme

The British Virgin Islands is preparing to host the BVI Literary Arts Festival (BVI Lit Fest), returning for its fourth year from November 7-10.

This year’s festival promises a captivating blend of global literary icons and local talent under the theme “Roots to Routes,” part of the territory’s annual Culture and Tourism Month activities.

Safiya Smith, Chair of the BVI Lit Fest Committee, highlighted the festival’s theme as an exploration of historical and creative connections. “Our themes are carefully chosen to foster meaningful connections among students, faculty, artists, and the wider arts community here and abroad,” Smith explained. “By focusing on topics like sustainability and global literature, BVI Lit Fest continues to stay relevant, addressing key global issues while celebrating diverse cultures.”

The 2024 lineup features a powerhouse roster of international and Caribbean literary stars, including:

• Safiya Sinclair, award-winning Jamaican poet and memoirist
• David Olusoga, OBE, BAFTA-winning historian and author of Black and British
• Jason Allen-Paisant, 2023 T.S. Eliot Prize winner for Self Portrait as Othello
• Celeste Mohammed, prize-winning Trinidadian author of Pleasantview

The list also includes celebrated voices like Kevin Jared Hosein, Vashti Harrison, Denene Millner, Portia Subran, and many more.

In a first for the festival, a pre-event will be held on Virgin Gorda on October 5, where the Literary Wonderland event invites children of all ages to explore the world of books, led by local talents such as agriculturalist Jahnai Caul and chef Radiance Modeste.

The four-day festival offers a packed schedule, including:

• Thursday, November 7: Welcome Reception at Allamanda Estate Villa, Beef Island
• Friday, November 8: Panel discussions, readings, and lectures at HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay campus, followed by an evening of Sunset Stories at Brandywine Estate Restaurant
• Saturday, November 9: Poetry showcase at Sushi Bar, a Literary Wonderland children’s program on Tortola, and writing workshops at HLSCC
• Sunday, November 10: The popular Book Brunch at 1748 Restaurant, Long Bay Beach Resort

For the first time, the festival will also host a poetry slam at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and a writing competition for participants aged 14 and up, with cash prizes of $250 for youth and adult winners.

Tickets are available at multiple outlets across Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and online via Eventbrite. The festival’s key sponsors include Unite BVI, Guido Feger Foundation, VP Bank, and the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, with support from the BVI Tourist Board and local businesses.

For more details, visit www.bvilitfest.com or follow @BVILitFest on Instagram and Facebook.