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The full programme of a world class arts event coming this summer to Harrogate has been revealed at a prestigious launch event.

Widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious celebration of crime and thriller fiction, Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival unveiled the list of top authors at a special reception at London’s Hachette publishing group.

The Festival, which will take place at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel from July 18-21, has been curated by the 2024 Festival Chair, bestselling crime novelist Ruth Ware.

The all-star line-up of acclaimed writers and global bestsellers includes Mick Herron, Louise Candlish, Richard Osman, M.W. Craven, James Comey, Lucy Foley, Femi Kayode and Saima Mir joining Special Guest headliners Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Peter James, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee and Liz Nugent.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2024 programme launch event in London - Simon Theakston, Chairman of sponsors T&R Theakston Ltd; Festival Chair Ruth Ware; and Sharon Canavar, Chief Exexcutive of Harrogate International Festivals. (Picture Mike Whorley)

Evening events will offer a host of opportunities for readers to engage with their favourite writers.

Highlights include the hotly-contested Late Night Quiz hosted by Val McDermid and Mark Billingham and the highly-anticipated Confessions of a Crime Writer where well-known authors disclose deliciously dreadful secrets from their past and the audience decide if they should be forgiven.

Ruth Ware said: “After so many months of plotting and planning, I'm thrilled with the incredible showcase of talent the festival committee has put together.

"There really is something for everyone.”

The headline events in Harrogate include the crowning of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and the much-anticipated Critics’ New Blood panel which showcases four talented debut novelists.

For aspiring writers, Creative Thursday will offer an immersive day of workshops led by bestselling writers and industry experts.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is marking its 21st anniversary in 2024.

"We are incredibly proud of this world class event.”

Simon Theakston, Chairman of sponsors T&R Theakston Ltd, said: "This year’s festival celebrates crime fiction’s rich heritage while looking firmly to the future of the genre.”

Tickets are on sale from today, Thursday, May 16 by calling 01423 562 303 or emailing [email protected].

Information: https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/crime-writing-festival/

Famous authors set for Harrogate as full programme is revealed for this year's Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Fest