Murder, Mystery and Major Names Return to Harrogate for Theakston’s 2026 Crime Festival
By Sarah Morgan
Harrogate, that genteel town of tea, cakes, spas and… murder, is once again bracing itself for an influx of crazed murder-loving fiction lovers – yes, the 2026 Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is almost upon us.
In a star-studded launch in London, this year’s chair, bestselling author Lisa Jewell, discussed what attendees could look forward to – and it sounds pretty impressive.
She and her fellow organisers claim there will be more than 140 crime and thriller writers taking part, from established names such as Anthony Horowitz, Denise Mina, Elly Griffiths and event stalwarts Mark Billingham and Val McDermid, to first-timers.
Plus, we can expect appearances by some folk who are already famous for other things and are just dipping their toes into this murky world – Richard Armitage, Ardal O’Hanlon, Andi Osho and Jeremy Vine.
And if you’re still not tempted to buy a ticket, US legend David Baldacci will be in attendance, as is Jack Reacher’s ever-popular creator, Lee Child, and Ann Cleeves is taking to the stage alongside Brenda Blethyn, who so memorably brought her most famous character, Vera, to life on TV for many years.
“Iconic”
So when Jewell claimed the festival would be bigger and better than ever, she wasn’t fibbing.
“We were spoiled for choice when we compiled this year’s programme,” she revealed. “So, here’s to 2026. Let the sun shine, the drinks flow and a bounty of brilliant writers cast their spells as we gather together to enjoy an unmissable year at the best crime-writing festival in the world.”
Also on offer alongside the regular discussions in the now iconic marquee will be a new initiative known, in a nod to sponsors Theakston’s, the Swift Half Stage, which is set to offer more fascinating if bite-sized interviews with leading names, including Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, The Traitors’ star Harriet Tyce and the man behind Slow Horses, Mick Herron.
“As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Harrogate International Festivals, we are excited to expand the festival by introducing the Swift Half Stage to offer even more for our community of crime fiction fans to discover,” said Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals. “Whether you are a reader or a writer – and whether you’ve been coming to the festival for 23 years or this will be your first time – we look forward to welcoming you to Harrogate in July.”
The festival runs from July 23 to 26 and takes place at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate. For more information, including tickets details, check out: harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
top image: Gerard Binks
Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.
