My York Festival

Are the gala dinner and evening drinks on site?

Yes, you don’t need to leave the festival venue to attend the Saturday evening gala dinner or drinks. There will, however, be an hour break in which you are welcome to leave the venue to get changed or freshen up.

What can I do with my luggage?

If you are staying at the hotel, you are encouraged to check-in early so that you can drop your luggage in your room. If this is not possible, there will be an un-manned cloakroom that can store your bags until your room is available. If you are staying at a hotel nearby overnight it is ideal to drop off your luggage where you are staying prior to the festival, but again you are welcome to use the un-manned cloakroom if that is not possible. All luggage is left at your own risk and we cannot be held liable for any missing or damaged possessions.

Where exactly is the Festival of Writing? 

It will be held in London at the Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel. The address is: Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel, 45 Prescot Street, London E1 8GP.

Is there parking on-site?

There is on-street parking available outside Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge (parking meter charges apply). The nearest car park is the Minories car park located on 1 Shorter street, which has 401 car park spaces. Please telephone 020 7481 3153 for details of current parking charges, or visit http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/ for more parking locations.

Can you recommend accommodation nearby? 

Please remember, it’s your responsibility to arrange accommodation if needed. We have reserved fifty rooms at the venue for festival delegates at a discounted rate on Saturday, June 29. These rooms are priced at £319 per night (+£20 surcharge for double occupancy). Get in touch for the discount code.

Keep in mind, any accommodation issues should be addressed directly with the hotel, as we are not responsible for any problems.

If you prefer a different hotel, there are numerous options nearby.

• Premier Inn London City (Tower Hill) Hotel
• Travelodge London Central Aldgate East
• Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge
• Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels

What public transport can I get there?  

The closest stations are Tower Hill Underground Station, Tower Gateway DLR Station and Fenchurch Street Rail. It’s about a five-ten minute walk from each of these stations to the venue.

I have access needs. Can these be accommodated?

There is a wheelchair-friendly lift that is designated specifically for festival attendees (general hotel guests are not permitted to use it) and we will be advising all attendees to allow those with accessibility needs to use the lift first.

Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel is highly experienced at running large, complex events. If you have particular concerns, please mention them when prompted when booking your workshops and sessions. The hotel will be made aware of these in advance and will do their best to accommodate you.

What kind of food is offered over the weekend?

Every day you attend the festival, you will be provided with a two-course buffet lunch, plus teas, coffees and snacks at regular intervals throughout the day. If you are a Saturday or Weekend ticket holder, you will also have a sit-down gala dinner in the evening. You’ll be able to let us know about any requirements when you come to book your sessions.

When should I plan to arrive at the Festival of Writing 2024?

We always recommend giving yourself plenty of time to arrive in case of any delays. For Saturday arrivals, registration is from 8.30 to 9.30am, with the opening keynote beginning at 9.45am. Registration on Sunday is from 9.00am to 9.30am.

Please follow the signs downstairs to the registration desks (there is a lift for those with accessibility needs). You’ll be greeted by Jericho Writers staff who will issue you a name badge and give you a programme.

Can I arrive late? (for example, my train only arrives in London at 10:00) 

Yes, of course but please arrive at sessions quietly and respectfully. 

If I arrive with a suitcase, where can I leave it for the day? 

You can leave it in the un-manned cloakroom near the registration desks.

What do I need to bring with me?

Something to take notes on, a bottle for water, and perhaps some snacks if you know you need extra sustenance during the day!

How can I connect with other festival attendees ahead of time?

You can join in the conversation in our Townhouse forum here to plan accommodation and travel, and to chat all things festival! We’re also going to be organising a series of Zoom ‘mixers’, where you’ll be able to meet fellow writers in your genre, and a pre-festival Zoom call where you’ll be able to ask any questions and meet other attendees.

I’m only coming on Sunday, can I still enter Friday Night Live? 

Unfortunately only Saturday and Weekend ticket holders can enter Friday Night Live. If you’d like to upgrade from a Sunday ticket to a Weekend ticket, please reach out to us.

How do I make sure I can attend the workshops and mini-courses I’d like to?

We will send you a sign-up form at the same time that you book your one-to-ones.

How do I book an agent one-to-one at the Festival?

One-to-ones are included in your ticket. Weekend ticket holders will receive two sessions, while day ticket holders will receive one. We will email you once the booking system is open (towards the end of March). Please note, once you have chosen your one-to-ones, your choice is final.

Can I only book only one one-to-one? 

It depends on your ticket type. Full weekend ticket holders are entitled to two one-to-one sessions, whereas day tickets entitle you to one.

Will Friday Night Live happen?

Yes – the only difference is that it’s happening on a Saturday. Entries will be open from 10:00BST on 1 May, and close to submissions 10:00BST on 1 June. We will email all ticket holders with more information when we open to entries.

Where can I find the terms and conditions of booking?

You can find our full terms and conditions for the Festival here.

Will the talks be recorded? 

They will not be – make sure you go to the workshop or mini course you most want to learn from.