Cymera is Scotland’s festival of science fiction, fantasy and horror writing.
The Cymera festival takes place in Edinburgh and online 5-7th June 2026. Activities include panels, workshops, games, bookshop, creators’ hall, and more across 50 events with 70+ authors!
Access includes a quiet space and wheelchair access – access info. More info about the festival.
Cymera has partnered with SBWN to offer weekend passes to SBWN members (Black writers and writers of colour) who may otherwise be unable to attend:
- 4 x in-person passes (worth £85 each)
- 3 x digital passes (worth £60 each)
Weekend passes include access to panel recordings until 12th July 2026, and do not include writing workshops, Agent one to ones, Shoreline of Infinity’s Event Horizon and the Pratchett Play and the other performances.
Passes will be allocated randomly to applicants. SBWN will email all applicants to let them know the outcome by 29 April.
SBWN will share your name and email with Cymera and Cymera will contact you to distribute your weekend pass.
To be in with a chance of receiving a free in-person or digital weekend pass, please enter below.
The form will close at 23:59 on 27 April.
Travel, Childcare and Data Bursaries
Please note that SBWN also has a limited number of travel, childcare and data bursaries available for SBWN members on a low income, even if you do not receive a free weekend pass.
If you do not need a weekend pass plan and plan to attend only one day or an individual event/s and require a bursary, complete our form.
Note: We can only provide travel bursaries for travel within Scotland.
Bursaries issued by SBWN for Cymera Festival 2026 are:
- Travel bursary (up to £50)
- Childcare bursary (up to £30 per day needed, max £90)
- Data bursary (up to £9)
SBWN members at Cymera
5 June
6:30 PM 7:30 PM
On High Seas with Katalina Watt and Shannon Chakraborty
6 June
12:00 PM 1:00 PM