St Wilfrid’s musical director prepares to dazzle with sound at Harrogate showNumber 36 buses to turn into mobile librariesTrainspotting author Irvine Welsh among headline names at Harrogate festivalCreator of Apple TV’s ‘Slow Horses’ to chair Theakston crime writing festivalThe Stray Ferret launches 2025 Business AwardsFunding review spells end for Harrogate CarnivalSix books shortlisted for Harrogate crime writing awardEx-Harrogate chamber president Martin Gerrard diesFamous crime author announced for Harrogate writing festival

Harrogate International Festivals has announced its final special guest for the 2024 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

Peter James is a globally bestselling author and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now an ITV drama starring John Simm.

He joins authors Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee, Liz Nugent and Richard Osman in an all-star lineup of special guest headliners.

Mr James will be celebrating his milestone twentieth Roy Grace book at the Festival with an exclusive preview of One Of Us Is Dead, published by Pan Macmillan in September 2024.

He will discuss his new standalone novel, They Thought I Was Dead, with a long-awaited reveal of what happened to Roy Grace’s missing wife Sandy in conversation with TV presenter Louise Minchin.

This will be his eighth appearance, having been a special guest twice before and programming chair in 2016.

Mr James said:

“This year I am celebrating my 20th Roy Grace novel and where better to do this than at Harrogate, the jewel in the crime festival crown. I had a wonderful time as Programming Chair in 2016 and I look forward to returning as a Special Guest this year, spending a delightful summer’s evening with my fans and fellow authors.

“I’ve no doubt a pint or two of Theakston Old Peculier might be involved.”

Returning to Harrogate for its 21st year it offers fans from around the world a unique opportunity to hear from the biggest stars of the genre, discover exciting new talent and enjoy a packed programme of panels, talks and inspiring creative workshops.

Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:

“Peter James has been hugely popular with the Festival audience over the years, and we can’t wait to welcome him back to hear more about his twentieth Roy Grace book.

“Peter completes a stellar line up of Special Guests in a stunning programme that truly reflects the strength, breadth and diversity of the genre.”

The three day festival curated by 2024 Festival Chair Ruth Ware, is set to take place July 18-21. The full programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will be announced on May 14, 2024.

Tickets are on general release on 15th April. More information about tickets and packages can be found here.

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Harrogate Spiegeltent to return after two years

The Spiegeltent is set to return to Harrogate this summer after a two year break.

Harrogate International Festivals has announced the event will be held in Crescent Gardens between June 28 – July 7.

Drag queen Divina De Campo, who appeared on The Voice and the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, opens the Spiegeltent with an evening of cabaret.

The Gypsy Queens and House of Burlesque will also join this year’s line-up. Also making a return is British jazz singer Jo Harrop and Harrogate’s nightclub, Jimmy’s. There are newcomers to the festival including Punjabi Roots, as well as singer Mica Sefia, and the Maxwell Quartet.

The Spiegeltent is one of the star attractions of this year’s Harrogate Music Festival, which begins June 8.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“The Spiegeltent was one of the absolute highlights of Harrogate Music Festival in 2022, so it’s wonderful to have it back – there’s just nothing quite like it.

“We passionately believe that art and culture is for us all and should reach as wide an audience as possible – and that’s what this does. Whether you want to dance the night away at the Silent Disco, be entranced by the sound of South Asian drums, or spend the day making new family memories – there really is something for everyone here.

“The Spiegeltent helps make the Festival a truly memorable celebration of music and the arts. So get the dates in your diary for what is, quite simply, the best party in town.”

The 2024 Spiegeltent line-up includes:

The Spiegeltent will also host a Children’s Festival from Saturday, July 6, to Sunday, July 7, with a programme of family-friendly events set to be announced in April.

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