Tributes are pouring in for Bridport Literary Festival Director and founder Tanya Bruce-Lockhart, who died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 81.

A familiar and much-loved figure in both Bridport and Beaminster, Tanya had been at the heart of cultural life in West Dorset since moving to the area in 2000. Over two decades, she transformed BridLit into a nationally respected festival and played a central role in raising the region’s cultural profile.

Tanya began her working life in independent television, including spells as a researcher at London Weekend Television on chat shows with David Frost and Frank Muir. She later became a producer of arts documentaries for Granada, worked at the BBC, and was closely associated with The South Bank Show, collaborating with Melvyn Bragg. Her professional background gave her a natural instinct for finding stories—and storytellers—that would resonate with audiences.

In 2004, she was appointed Director of the Beaminster Festival for Music and the Arts. Under her leadership, the festival broadened its scope, increased attendance, and began attracting high-profile performers from across the UK and abroad. That same year, she joined forces with Mark Culme-Seymour (Eype Church Centre for the Arts) and Chris Huxley (Bridport Arts Centre) to launch the Bridport Literary Festival—now affectionately known as BridLit.

With local sponsorship from Venetia Ross Skinner and a determination to bring writers and readers together, Tanya built BridLit from the ground up. From humble beginnings, it became a cherished annual fixture, drawing audiences from across the country and bringing a welcome cultural and economic boost to the town each November. 2025 would have been the festival’s 21st year—and Tanya’s 21st as its Director.

“Tanya was such a dynamic force whose skill, hard work and relentless enthusiasm shaped the festival from the outset,” said BridLit Chairman Nick Child. “She made it a highlight in the literary calendar both nationally and locally. We are all so very shocked and saddened, and our thoughts are with Tanya’s family and friends at this time.”

Chris Huxley, former director of Bridport Arts Centre, said: “Tanya was one of a kind. Her energy, drive, and enthusiasm made Bridlit into one of the most respected literary festivals in the UK. Tanya’s sharp wit and dedication to West Dorset will be much missed.”

Tanya believed passionately in access to literature. She ensured the festival supported Read Easy for adult literacy and led outreach work that brought authors into local schools. Over two decades, she hosted nearly 600 writers in Bridport, always ensuring they were welcomed warmly, their books signed, and conversations had. Festival week would see Tanya dashing between venues—books under one arm, programme in the other—her energy seemingly limitless.

BridLit became a registered charity in 2012, but its enduring success is rooted in Tanya’s vision, determination, and sheer refusal to take no for an answer. Literary festivals were relatively rare when she began, and many of today’s flourishing local events owe something to the path she helped forge.

She is survived by her son Jamie, who lives locally in Marshwood. A private funeral will take place on 1 May 2025. The family has asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard (www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org).

Tanya Bruce-Lockhart brought authors and audiences together in joyful celebration of books and ideas. Writers and readers have lost a champion. West Dorset has lost a cultural leader. And those who knew her have lost a dear and spirited friend.

It’s been another vintage year for Bridport Literary Festival, with crowds flocking to seven days of events.

There were huge, sell-out audiences for the 20^th annual festival, with a variety of talks on subjects of all kinds.

Pictures by Eddy Pearced and Dot Forrester.

SEE THE FULL GALLERY