The DESIblitz Literature Festival was conceived in 2016, driven by the need for an event to inspire new writers from British South Asian backgrounds.

Right from the start, the festival has aimed to highlight the depth, breadth and quality of writing created by British South Asians and writers with South Asian heritage.

Over the years we have worked with internationally recognised and well respected authors such as Hari Kunzru, Preeti Shenoy, Sathnam Sanghera, Bali Rai and many more

We’ve also given new talent experience of the literature festival scene. Serena Patel, author of the now hugely popular children’s stories that began with ‘Ayisha the Accidental Detective’, was an early DESIblitz Literature Festival discovery.

An important purpose of the festival has been to provide as much variety in its events aiming to give audiences a great choice across different genres and styles of writing including fiction and poetry. Plus, workshops to give new writers access to experience and established authors.

However, our festival is not just about showcasing creative writing. A key aspect of it looks at the business of publishing especially around issues of diversity and inclusion in the industry. DESIblitz is proud to be a key player in the debate, and a force to help drive change.

In 2023, we’re taking many of our events out into the community, making it easier than ever for everyone to join us and enjoy the wonderful writing - fiction, poetry and song - that is being created.

In addition, events for the 2023 festival include improved audience activities and a look at the impact of Artificial Intelligence on writing and publishing.