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Literary Festival

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2027 line-up

At a glance

Festival dates: 22–25 July 2027.

Watch the official site for the programme announcement

Weekend packages: Booking opened on 30 October 2026 (Friends) and 3 November 2026 (general). These sale dates are for weekend packages, separate from the full programme and individual event tickets. See the official package announcement.

In 2026, the full programme was revealed before Rover tickets went on sale on 16 April; individual-event booking opened on 13 May. Check the official site for this year’s date. Official source

Official programme

Find a room for festival week ↗

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns to the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate on 22–25 July 2027. The weekend-package announcement is separate from the full programme and individual event tickets. Six past conversations below give crime readers a way to explore the completed edition while choosing the shape of a future Harrogate stay.

Confirmed for 2027

The 2027 programme hasn’t been announced yet.

2026 headline events

These events took place in 2026.

Can’t Get You Out of My Head

· Theakston Stage, Old Swan HotelAbigail Dean, Erin Kelly, Jo Murray, Yemi Dipeolu

Four writers explored coercion, friendship and the dangerous edges of love through psychological thrillers and a courtroom debut.

2026 event details

Adam Kay in 2017

Nothing But the Truth?

· Theakston Stage, Old Swan HotelAdam Kay, Dorothy Koomson, Garry Disher, Saima Mir

The panel explored how crime fiction tackled trauma, class, grief and identity, from medical murder to small-town secrets.

2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026

Man About the House

· Theakston Stage, Old Swan HotelC. M. Ewan, John Marrs, Mark Edwards, T. M. Logan

Four novelists discussed domestic suspense, with family survival, dangerous friendships and hidden secrets driving their latest thrillers.

2026 event details

Unspoken: Why Are Secrets So Powerful in Crime Fiction?

· Swift Half Stage, Old Swan HotelClaire McGowan, Kia Abdullah

Claire McGowan and Kia Abdullah explored how hidden truths shaped characters, built tension and kept readers turning pages.

2026 event details

Christopher Brookmyre in 2013

Chris Brookmyre

· Theakston Stage, Old Swan HotelChristopher Brookmyre

Christopher Brookmyre marked thirty years since his debut, discussing Jack Parlabane’s return and a murder aboard a cruise liner.

2026 event detailsAt 6 festivals in 2026

David Baldacci

· Theakston Stage, Old Swan HotelDavid Baldacci

David Baldacci discussed his thrillers with Julia Wheeler, including Walter Nash’s return in Hope Rises and his work as an FBI informant.

2026 event details

Photo: Edwardx / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Photo: TimDuncan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Explore the guide’s 2026 programme highlights.

Book your room first

Choosing the town and dates can come before choosing individual talks. If you reserve at that stage, compare the actual rate’s payment and cancellation conditions and keep its deadline with your festival plans. The search starts with the first festival night, two adults and one room; change it to fit your stay.

Where to stay for Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival · Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival visitor guide

Authors who appeared in 2026

Ann Cleeves, Anthony Horowitz, Mick Herron, Lisa Jewell, Holly Jackson, Jane Harper.

Official programme and dates