The full 2014 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which takes place between the 17-20 July, at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, has been unveiled.
Special Guest events were announced earlier in the year resulting in the fastest ever Box Office performance in the Festival’s history. The JK Rowling event sold out in just 90 minutes. Writing as Robert Galbraith, Rowling will be interviewed by Val McDermid.
Europe’s largest celebration of crime writing also features Ann Cleeves, John Harvey, Sophie Hannah, Lynda La Plante, Laura Lippman, Peter May, Val McDermid, Denise Mina, and S.J. Watson.
A special panel event was also announced earlier in the year and sold out. The Broadchurch TV special features creator, writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall, and the show’s stars Olivia Colman and Jodie Whittaker.
Gemma Rowland, Literary Festivals Manager, said: “We had to stagger events for sale this year due to the high level of demand, it’s really an incredible line-up. We advise to book your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.”
Award-winning author Steve Mosby took over the reins of Programming Chair from Val McDermid. Based in Leeds, his eighth novel, The Nightmare Place is published in June 2014.
Events include the crime writing world’s answer to the Oscars, the Theakstons Old Peculier Novel of the Year Award, hosted by Mark Lawson, and the ever popular Quiz Night hosted by Celebrity Mastermind winners, Val McDermid and Mark Billingham.
The sought after New Blood panel showcases four debut authors – Ray Celestin, Eva Dolan, Helen Giltrow and Nicola White – chosen by Val McDermid.
Panel guests include Tony Parsons, John Niven, Lauren Beukes, Simon Kernick, Stuart Neville, and Alex Barclay. The authors will be exploring subjects including developments in self-publishing, the secrets of remarkable plot twists and the new wave of forensics.
Attendees are invited to join up to 80 of the world’s most celebrated crime authors ‘in conversation, in action and in the bar.’
Headline sponsor, Simon Theakston, Executive Director of T&R Theakston, said: “We’ve supported the festival since almost from the start, and every year I think it surpasses already high expectations. 2014 is no different with this remarkable line-up of world-class authors. It truly is a delight for Theakstons to be part of such an iconic annual event on the literary calendar.”
It is ranked as one of the top three literary festivals in the UK by The Guardian, and featured in The Independent’s ‘The 50 Best Festivals’.