A new horror-themed literary festival is set to launch in Norwich this autumn.
The National Centre for Writing (NCW), based on King Street, has announced the launch of Darkest Chapter, a celebration of dark, uncanny, gothic and horror storytelling.
The event will debut on Saturday, November 7 as a day-long festival at Dragon Hall, NCW’s medieval home in Norwich.
Steph McKenna, founder of Darkest Chapter and head of marketing and communications at the National Centre for Writing, said: "In recent decades, cinema has finally caught up with just how groundbreaking, astute and profoundly human the horror genre can be.
"Its fans remain among the most dedicated and welcoming of any genre. Now it’s literature’s turn!"
Programming will include a creative writing workshop, panel discussions, author events, vendor and publisher stalls and a wrap-party with storytelling after dark.
A special film screening at Cinema City will launch the festivities on the Friday evening.
The festival aims to ride the wave of growing interest in horror fiction, which saw UK book sales surpass £6.8 million by November 2025.
Ms McKenna said: "Despite the frighteningly fast rise in demand for horror literature, only a handful of dedicated events take place across the UK."
Paula Sanchez, chief executive and artistic director of NCW, said: "The landscapes of our region have long inspired gothic, uncanny and atmospheric storytelling, making Norwich the perfect home for a festival like Darkest Chapter.
"We are thrilled to launch this exciting new celebration during the National Year of Reading, as National Centre for Writing approaches its 10th anniversary and Dragon Hall marks its 600th year."
Darkest Chapter is sponsored by The Evolution of Horror (EOH), one of the world’s most successful horror and film history podcasts, and supported by Vinosangre.
Mike Muncer, founder of EOH, said: "It feels like such an exciting time for horror, with so much brilliant new writing and so many new voices emerging.
"At The Evolution of Horror, we’ve always loved the conversations, the sharing of ideas and the sense of community that grows around the genre, so we’re thrilled to support a festival that brings horror writers, readers and fans together."
The full festival line-up and ticketing information will be released in mid-August.
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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