Memories of RBTS 2026

July 11, 2026 saw the return of the Read by the Sea Festival to its original location in River John, NS. The festival was centred in a large tent in Bissell Park, in the heart of the village, with a view of the river. It was a perfect summer day for a festival.

The day began with a historic village walk, followed by the children’s event with author Camilla Thompson in the library. The Big Grown-Up Book Fair was set up in the firehall for book sales, with 25+ vendors promoting romance novels, thrillers, children’s books, and more.

The 90+ chairs in the main tent were full, and many other attendees filled the lawns surrounding the tent. The program opened in the tent with a welcome from the day’s master of ceremonies, John Ashton, and a moving Land Acknowledgement from local author Sheree Fitch.

Well-known author Harry Thurston took the stage first with readings from his many poems and naturalist writings. Dian Day followed with a reading from her book-in-progress, leaving us all anxious for its launch next year.

Lunch break saw many people attending the book fair and visiting the community’s excellent eating venues.

After the break, Jennifer Hatt followed up with an emotional and sometimes humorous reading from her writing. She surprised the crowd by thanking Harry Thurston for his praise and encouragement of her work as a young university student, which gave her confidence in her writing.

The final panel of authors included Harry Thurston, Dian Day, Jennifer Hatt and Camilla

Thompson. MC John Ashton led the panel, and the audience asked thought-provoking questions about the authors’ work and thought process. One memorable question asked about the future of AI in writing and what that might mean for authors.

Festival attendees came from places as far away as British Columbia and Ontario, with the majority from our local communities. Feedback was very positive, with people loving the new/old location and having everything centrally located within the village. People enjoyed hearing local authors and supporting the arts on Nova Scotia’s North Shore.

Authors have been chosen for next year’s Read by the Sea, and these will be revealed in the coming months. In the meantime, please visit your local small bookstore and purchase works by local authors – there is amazing talent here.

Thank you for supporting our festival, which is organized by the Read by the Sea Literary Society, a registered NS non-profit organization run by volunteers.