Emerald Fennell, the director behind the upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights featuring Margot Robbie, is set to be a prominent guest at this year’s Bronte Women’s Writing Festival. The festival, scheduled to be held in Haworth, celebrates the legacy of novelists, particularly focusing on the North and emphasizing Bradford’s significance in its designation as the UK City of Culture.
Fennell, known for her acclaimed work on the film Saltburn, will engage in discussions about her much-anticipated version of Wuthering Heights, which plans to immerse audiences in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales when it premieres in early 2026.
The festival will also welcome renowned authors such as Tracy Chevalier, famous for her novel Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Australian author Holly Ringland, who will reflect on the profound impact of the Brontes on their storytelling. The overarching theme for this year’s festival is “Writers From and Based in the North,” with an emphasis on narratives influenced by northern landscapes and the Brontes’ enduring contributions.
Rebecca Yorke, Director of the Bronte Parsonage Museum, expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s events tailored to inspire creativity and imagination. She highlighted a special initiative involving four emerging writers—two from Bradford and two from Ghana—who are crafting new stories inspired by the Brontes’ fictional kingdom of Angria.
Additional festival highlights include discussions featuring authors like Amanda Smyth, SJ Bradley, and Anna Chilvers, exploring themes that resonate with Yorkshire’s rich folklore and literary heritage. Bingley author and festival host Linda Green will also provide guidance through courses for budding writers interested in novel-writing, both in-person and online.
The Bronte Festival of Women’s Writing will take place at the Bronte Parsonage Museum from September 26 to 28. For those looking to delve deeper into literature and celebrate the legacy of the Brontes, tickets and additional information can be found at the official festival website.
This festival not only serves as a celebration of the Bronte sisters’ legacy but also highlights contemporary voices that contribute to the literary landscape today, promoting hope and creative expression among both aspiring and established writers.