AWARD winning writers will be among those joining an online festival to celebrate LGBT culture.

The Coast is Queer will return for its second year in Brighton and Hove next month.

Organisers say it will include lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans writers, performers, academics, activists and readers with workshops, films and discussions.

It will “celebrate queer lives and writing”, they said.

So far Booker Prize winning author Douglas Stuart, pictured, who wrote Shuggie Bain, is among the confirmed speakers.

He is joined by crime writer Val McDermid, who wrote The Wire in The Blood, Alan Hollingshurst, who wrote The Line of Beauty, Juno Dawson who wrote Margot and Me, and Tanaka Mhishi, who wrote This is How it Happens.

Organisers New Writers South and Marlborough Productions teamed up with Arts Council England for the festival, which could be the perfect antidote to lockdown boredom.

More than 1,000 people enthusiasts took part last year, and there were 40 writers speaking over four days in Brighton.

They said: "The festival was a resounding success with an extensive programme of moving and exhilarating events."

It takes place online between February 5 and February 7.

For information visit www.coastisqueer.com.