The Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will take place this year in person, after being forced online in 2020.
The festival is one of the most popular events on Harrogate International Festivals‘ calendar and organisers are confident it will be able to happen after the government said all covid restrictions could be lifted from June 21.
This year’s edition is set to take place from July 22-25 at the Old Swan Hotel.
It will celebrate all forms of crime fiction, with a programme curated by programming chair Ian Rankin alongside the festival committee and the Harrogate International Festivals team.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“We are adapting and evolving our plans to be able to deliver a safe and agile festival in line with the government regulations at the time, with additional safety measures where necessary, whilst also ensuring the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival retains the iconic feel that has ensured its place as the most successful crime writing festival in the world.
“We remain optimistic about the year ahead and, like people across the UK, we are very much looking forward to the return of live events.”
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Festival-goers can expect a range of live author talks, panels and special guests, as well as some hybrid events to ensure that audiences who are unable to travel can access the festival.
Over 80% of early ticket bookers for the 2020 festival have already transferred their tickets to 2021.
The full author line-up, and news on when tickets are on sale, will be announced in the coming months.
