Headliners Announced for 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

By Sarah Morgan

How does Irvine Welsh feel about his work? How are siblings Lee and Andrew Child coping with their collaboration, and what is Steph McGovern’s first crime novel like?

All will be revealed at this year’s Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which runs at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel from 17th- 20th July.

Programming chair Mick Herron, of Slow Horses fame, has those luminaries lined up to appear, with Transpotting author Welsh a particularly eye-catching name – it will be his first appearance at the annual event.

Richard Osman announced that TV presenter and friend of the festival McGovern had written her first crime novel at Harrogate last year, and now fans will be able to learn more about it when she makes her debut as a guest after appearing several times on the hallowed stage as an interviewer.

Watch out too for Kate Atkinson, Attica Locke, Kate Mosse and Paula Hawkins, as well as perennial attendees Val McDermid and Mark Billingham.

“This year’s special guests are an incredible mixture of global bestsellers, familiar friends and writers new to Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, who together guarantee a weekend of thrills, wit and revelations,” says Herron. “As ever, though, the Festival will be made by those who attend it: our readers, who constitute the most well-informed and enthusiastic crowds any author could ask for.”

If you want to join in the fun, and keep abreast of further announcements, check out: harrogateinternationalfestivals.com