The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns to Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate this July for its largest programme to date.
Revealed at a launch event in London by Harrogate International Festivals, the 2026 edition will feature more than 140 writers — the largest line-up in the festival’s 23-year history.
The programme, returning from 23rd–26th July, has been curated by bestselling author Lisa Jewell.
Headline names include Ann Cleeves, Brenda Blethyn, Anthony Horowitz and David Baldacci, alongside a wide range of established and emerging voices from across the crime and thriller genre.
Lisa Jewell said:
“This year marks Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s twenty-third year. Every year it gets a bit better, a bit bigger, more polished and more exciting, and 2026 promises to be the best Festival yet.
"We were spoiled for choice when we compiled this year’s programme; never before have there been as many rich pickings in the fields of crime, thrillers and debuts, and this year’s programme is overflowing with new voices, old voices, literary legends and Festival favourites.
"So, here’s to 2026; let the sun shine, the drinks flow and a bounty of brilliant writers cast their spells as we gather together to enjoy an unmissable year at the best crime-writing Festival in the world.”
New for 2026 is the Swift Half Stage, a space dedicated to shorter events spotlighting rising talent and experimental storytelling.
The programme also includes the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Awards, the Critics’ New Blood panel for debut authors, and Creative Thursday — a series of workshops and industry sessions for aspiring writers, including pitching opportunities in the “Dragon’s Pen”.
Themes this year range from domestic noir to the influence of technology on crime fiction, alongside a tribute to Agatha Christie, marking 50 years since her death.
Evening events will include interactive formats such as Interview Bingo and the Late Night Quiz.
Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:
“We are extremely proud to support this world class event for an incredible twenty-third year and welcome over 140 writers for what promises to be our biggest and boldest Festival ever.
"Lisa Jewell and the committee have delivered an outstanding programme packed with legends of the genre, massive internationally bestselling authors, rising stars, thrilling panels and exclusive events.
"We look forward to an unforgettable Festival as we celebrate the very best in global crime writing this summer.”
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“We are thrilled to reveal the full programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, curated by Lisa Jewell and the Programming Committee.
"As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Harrogate International Festivals, we are excited to expand the Festival by introducing the Swift Half Stage to offer even more for our community of crime fiction fans to discover and enjoy this year.
"Whether you are a reader or a writer – and whether you’ve been coming to the Festival for twenty-three years or this will be your first time - we look forward to welcoming you to Harrogate in July.”
Tickets go on general sale from 16 April, with individual events available from 13 May.
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