Lynda La Plante, Paula Hawkins and Tess Gerritsen are among the authors set to appear at this year’s Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival.
Hosted by programme chair and award winning novelist, Denise Mina, the event will return to Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel from July 21 to 24.
The event, organised by Harrogate International Festivals, offers an international audience the opportunity to discover the next big names in crime fiction and hear giants of the genre discuss their work. It includes panels, workshops and talks.
Among those appearing will be Lynda La Plante, creator of Prime Suspect, and Paula Hawkins, author of the global phenomenon Girl on the Train.
Michael Connelly, CL Taylor, Lucy Foley, John Connolly and Kathy Reichs will also appear as special guests.
Channel 4 journalist and broadcaster Steph McGovern, who lives in Harrogate, will also be speaking with actor and author Charlie Higson about his new crime novel Whatever Gets You Through the Night.
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Meanwhile, festival favourite Val McDermid will be returning with her New Blood panel, showcasing four exciting debut crime writers to look out for.
‘Greatest crime-writing event of the year’
Denise Mina, bestselling author of the Garnethill trilogy and the Paddy Meehan novels, said:
“The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is the greatest crime writing event of the year so it is a very real honour to be chairing it, to work with the programming committee and to have the chance to attend all the thrilling events.
“After the difficulties and hardships of the past two years we are all very much looking forward to all of the writers and readers coming together in Harrogate once more.”
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of event organisers Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“We look forward to announcing the full programme in the coming months, and sharing the exciting weekend we have planned for our attendees.”
Weekend break packages for the festival are on sale now.
A full programme for the event will be released in spring.
For more information and to book tickets, call +44(0)1423 562 303 or email info@harrogate-festival.org.uk.
Harrogate doughnut shop launches Vulva-NutsDoe Bakehouse in Harrogate has created a new Valentine’s-themed product called a Vulva-Nut.
The vulva-shaped sweet treat, which comes with ‘pube sprinkles’, has captured the imagination on social media, with Harrogate TV presenter Steph McGovern among those posting about it.
Doe Bakehouse, which now has four stores, is run by young entrepreneur Evie Jackson, who is known for her creative and brightly coloured products.
But the latest one, which comes with a meat-free option, has taken things to another level, with comments on the company’s Facebook page including ‘I need to send one to each of my ex’s, they could do with an anatomy lesson’, ‘I’m guessing the male version wouldn’t sell too well’ and ‘Will these be available in your Clit-heroe store?’.
Channel 4 presenter Steph McGovern was sent some of the vulva-nuts earlier this week.
The strawberry glazed treat comes with a hidden chocolate egg.
Despite a few comments asking “why is there a need?” the overall response on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with some using the hashtag feministfood.
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Harrogate fire crew come to aid of TV presenter Steph McGovern
Crew at Harrogate Fire Station came to the aid of TV presenter Steph McGovern this morning to cut off a ring from her swollen finger.
The host of Steph’s Packed Lunch tweeted that she had trapped her ring finger in a door which led to a painful-looking injury.
After the ring was cut free she thanked crew at the station for their help.
McGovern lives in Harrogate and filmed her Channel 4 show from her house during last year’s covid lockdown.
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Eventful morning…..started with trip to @FireHarrogate to get a ring cut off swollen finger I’d trapped in door……thanks so much to Matt @TurnerTurner11, Lisa @Arcticwolf31, Dave + James for sorting it out!
Straight after had to take my daughter for first ever day at nursery pic.twitter.com/6a1ZdtEP4i
— Steph McGovern (@StephLunch) August 20, 2021