Crime Writing Festival 2025
June 25, 2025Theakston’s Crime Writing Festival Harrogate 2025: Ultimate Guide, Speakers & Schedule
📅 Festival Overview: 17–20 July 2025 in Harrogate
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns to Harrogate’s iconic Old Swan Hotel from 17–20 July 2025, curated by spy-thriller master Mick Herronjessicaredlandauthor.com+13travelbeginsat40.com+13aknightsreads.wordpress.com+13. Expect four days packed with panels, author events, workshops, crime‑fiction community buzz, and the prestigious Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award 🌟
Headline Speakers & Special Guests
Lee Child & Andrew Child – Jack Reacher duo, unveiling In Too Deep + exclusive sneak peek at Exit Strategy.
Irvine Welsh – Festival debut, in conversation about Resolution, final instalment of his ‘Crime’ trilogy adapted for TV 10times.com+8chimeo.com+8aknightsreads.wordpress.com+8
Attica Locke – Returning star, discussing her latest thriller Guide Me Homeyorkshire.com+4chimeo.com+4aknightsreads.wordpress.com+4
Val McDermid & Steph McGovern – A special double-act, launching McGovern’s debut Deadlineyorkshire.com+5chimeo.com+5aknightsreads.wordpress.com+5
Lee Child & Kate Atkinson – A rare sit-down with the literary crime heavyweightharrogateinternationalfestivals.com+13chimeo.com+13aknightsreads.wordpress.com+13
Paula Hawkins, Kate Mosse, Mark Billingham & Chris Chibnall – Mind‑bending mysteries, legal thrillers, and TV crime insights yorkshire.com+4harrogate-news.co.uk+4chimeo.com+4
Irvine Welsh – edgy, infamously bold – as he delves into crime fictiontravelbeginsat40.com+4chimeo.com+4aknightsreads.wordpress.com+4
🎤 Panels & Unique Events
★ Critics’ New Blood Panel
Showcasing debut talents R.S. Burnett, A.E. Goldin, Daniel Aubrey, Kate Kemp, chosen by top crime critics
★ New Blood Alumni Showcase
Featuring four returning innovators: Fiona Cummins, Chris Hammer, Abir Mukherjee, Stuart Neville
★ Creative Thursday – Workshops & Talks (17 July)
Dedicated to aspiring authors, with sessions led by Vaseem Khan, Will Dean, Laura Shepherd‑Robinson, and industry insiders.
★ Behind‑the‑Scenes: Slow Horses TV Series
An exclusive event with Mick Herron and showrunner Will Smith.
★ Late Night Quiz & Author Dinners
Interactive, fun and offbeat: quiz compèred by Val McDermid and Mark Billingham, plus evening murder‑mystery dinners with Ajay Chowdhury, C.L. Taylor, Chris Brookmyre, Emma Christie and more.
📌 Festival Schedule Snapshot
| Date | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 17 July (Thu) | Creative Thursday workshops; Preview soirée; Award ceremony |
| 18 July (Fri) | Genre variety panels: domestic noir, spy thrillers, outer‑space whodunnits; historical crime session |
| 19 July (Sat) | Double-acts & keynote author talks; Slow Horses TV event; Late Night Quiz |
| 20 July (Sun) | Closing panels, author farewells, literary reflections |
Key sessions:
The Way We Lived Then – historical crime with SJParris and Beth Lewis
Panels across formats: sci‑fi murder, legal drama, police procedural, dark domestic noir
✅ Why Attend?
Meet global bestselling and emerging crime writers
Participate in topical panels from diverse sub‑genres
Exclusive looks behind TV adaptations and upcoming novels
Intensive workshops for writer development
Unique social events: dinners, quizzes, and late-night gatherings
Celebrate debut talent and new blood in crime fiction
🎟 Tickets & Booking Info
Friends of the Festival: early access from 3 April 12:00
General sale: opens 8th April 12:00
Contact: Phone 01423 562 303 (Mon–Fri, 10 am–5 pm)
In-person sales: Box Office, 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB
Make sure to log into your account ahead of ticket launch to secure your preferred events.
🏨 Venue & Amenities
All sessions and social events are located at the Old Swan Hotel and adjacent marquees. Facilities include:
Main festival tent (“beer tent”) & smaller event marquees
Outdoor “quiet beanbag” listening pods with audiobook
Photo-op areas: “READ” and “HARROGATE” installations, “murder bench”
Food stalls (Greek, burgers), plus pubs/cafes nearby jessicaredlandauthor.com
A variety of on-site seating—though additional outdoor seating is limited
💬 Community & Atmosphere
The festival has a warm, communal vibe. Attendees often meet authors face-to-face in panel Q&A, signings, and author dinners. Regulars note mixed access on seated areas outdoors, but festival organisers aim to accommodate mobility needs better each year .
📝 Tips for a Smooth Festival
Buy early—sessions sell out fast
Plan ahead: map event locations vs hotel
Bring comfy footwear—Harrogate is hilly
Pack layers—venues can get warm (airflow varies)
Come early for author dinners & Late Night Quiz
🎯 Perfect for Crime Fiction Lovers & Writers
Whether you're a thriller fan, mystery sleuth, budding author, or screenwriter, this festival offers:
Insight into diverse crime genres
First-hand advice from authors and publishing experts
Networking at panels and dinners
Exclusive previews and multi‑format discussions
A nostalgic literary hub at Harrogate’s iconic venue
🔚 Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss It!
Theakston’s 22nd Crime Writing Festival promises an immersive Harrogate July featuring star-studded lineups, diverse crime panels, writing workshops, the crime novel awards, and unforgettable social experiences—all in a charming Yorkshire setting. Book early, check the full programme, and join the global crime‑fiction community in July 2025.
For full event sessions and live updates, visit HarrogateInternationalFestivals.com and prepare for four days of literary suspense.
Accommodation
Thinking of coming for the festival? Need somewhere to stay? Great news! We have five fabulous cottages situated in Harrogate.
For the Harrogate Crime Festival we recommend staying at Artists Cottage, Artists Place, or Artists Corner as they are closest to the Swan Hotel where the festival is taking place.
See our website for full details and book your stay today!
