The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has celebrated its biggest ever year after attracting record visitor numbers to Harrogate.
Held at the Old Swan Hotel from 23rd to 26th July, this year's festival sold 21,000 tickets - up 7.9% on 2025 - making it the largest in the event's 23-year history.
Organisers estimate the festival is worth £8.2 million to the local economy each year.
More than 140 authors appeared across 34 events, with bestselling names including Ann Cleeves, Anthony Horowitz, Val McDermid, Adam Kay, Brenda Blethyn and Festival Chair Lisa Jewell.
Lady Victoria Borwick, Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board, said:
"This festival is a brilliant example of how culture and tourism work hand in hand. The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has grown into a truly international event, attracting visitors from across the UK and around the world to Harrogate and showcasing Yorkshire to new audiences.
"The festival not only celebrates outstanding literature, it boosts the local visitor economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions across the town."
She added:
"Events such as this encourage visitors to discover a destination, extend their stay and create lasting memories, making them an important part of England's tourism offer.
"Harrogate should be immensely proud of what has been achieved, and I am delighted to see this iconic festival continue to thrive as part of Harrogate International Festivals' 60th anniversary celebrations."
A new addition for 2026, the Swift Half Stage, also proved popular, showcasing emerging writers and new voices through a series of shorter events.
The festival also saw Elly Griffiths win the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award for The Frozen People, while bestselling American author David Baldacci received the Outstanding Contribution Award.
Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston, said:
"We are delighted that this year's Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival was our most successful event ever, with even more crime fiction fans from around the world visiting Harrogate to enjoying the spectacular line up of speakers and soak up the incredible atmosphere than ever before.
"It continues to be a pleasure to support this event which has helped put the local area on the global map, and we are already looking forward to an exciting 2027."
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, added:
"We were thrilled to welcome Lady Victoria Borwick to open our biggest ever Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. The record number of Festival visitors reflect our audience's appetite for live events and connection with writers and fellow crime fiction readers.
"We were delighted that the new Swift Half Stage proved such a hit with visitors as it allowed us to invite more authors than ever before and programme some exciting new events. We can't wait to be back in 2027!"
The festival will return to Harrogate from 22nd to 25th July 2027.
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