StAnza, the internationally renowned poetry festival, returns to St Andrews from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 March, 2026
With a global reputation for hosting an innovative, inspirational festival in a beautiful place, StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival is proud to be back in St Andrews showcasing poetry from around the world. The festival theme for 2026 is ‘You Are Not Alone’ and with more than 70 poets from 7 countries StAnza will bring together work that connects, protects and makes us less lonely.
The full programme will be announced in January 2026, and you can look forward to over 75 events across three packed days centred around the Byre theatre, StAnza’s buzzing festival hub. The festival features readings, workshops, open mics, exhibitions and theatre all under one roof.
Headliners revealed today (with many more to be announced in coming weeks) include Pulitzer prize-winner, Carl Phillips (USA) and Pascale Petit (France), the winner of the inaugural Laurel Prize for eco-poetry. In addition, StAnza’s annual lecture will be uniquely delivered by both poet and translator Yousif M Qasmiyeh (Lebanon/Palestine)and his wife Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh (UK) — co-authors of The Southern Eye which delves into the layered and poignant experiences of refugees, intertwining photography and prose in what promises to be a timely and emotional exploration of the purpose (and limits) of poetry.
‘In 2026, StAnza will gather poets whose work is singular in its originality and communal in scope. We’re going for strength in numbers, candles held up against the encroaching dark, the viscera that binds us and beats our hearts.’ – Ryan Van Winkle (he/him), Artistic Director, StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival
Ticket booking for this much-loved festival will open in late January 2026. Book online, in person or by phone. Follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to be first in the queue, or become a StAnza Supporter to get access to priority booking.