‘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!

‘From classic archetypes like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Bram Stoker’s Dracula to the very British tradition of ghost stories at Christmas, dark and uncanny storytelling is woven into the bones of our culture.

‘Yet despite the frighteningly fast rise in demand for horror literature, only a handful of dedicated events take place across the UK. Darkest Chapter will help fill a significant gap in the literary landscape — creating space to explore not only why horror endures, but how it evolves and where it may go next.

‘With the National Centre for Writing, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, leading a festival devoted to the craft of horror writing for readers and writers alike, it feels like a genuine stamp of quality for the genre.’

The inaugural event will take place on Saturday 7 November 2026 as an all-day festival takeover at Dragon Hall, NCW’s home and one of Norwich’s most treasured medieval buildings. The programme will feature a creative writing workshop, panel discussions, author events, vendor and publisher stalls, and a wrap-party with storytelling after dark. A special Friday‑night film screening at Cinema City will open the festival.

Paula Sanchez, Chief Executive & Creative 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 tenth anniversary and Dragon Hall marks its 600th year. Darkest Chapter represents a bold new chapter for both our organisation and Norwich UNESCO City of Literature. As the first in a series of new micro-festivals, it will bring writers, readers and audiences together to explore exceptional storytelling, reflecting our ambition to champion artistic discovery and help shape the cultural landscape for the decade ahead.’

Darkest Chapter is sponsored by The Evolution of Horror (EOH), one of the world’s most successful horror and film history podcasts. EOH’s rapid growth has expanded the brand into a year round calendar of live events, screening tours, videos and spin off podcasts. Its founder, Mike Muncer published his first book, The Evolution of Horror: A Terrifying Guide to Horror Movie History, with Welbeck on 16 July 2026.

Mike 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.’

Darkest Chapter will take place on Saturday 7 November 2026 at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich. The full programme will be announced, and tickets will go on sale, in mid‑August 2026.

Publishers and interested parties who would like to learn more or explore partnership opportunities are invited to contact info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk.

Programmed and delivered by National Centre for Writing, Darkest Chapter is proudly sponsored by The Evolution of Horror and supported by Vinosangre.