Jane Gregory Bursaries

Supporting the next generation of crime writers

We’re committed to developing opportunities for readers and writers from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Jane Gregory Bursaries, named after the literary agent who helped co-found the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, are centered around our Creative Thursday writing day, offering life-changing opportunities to attend the Festival and build connections in the literary world.

We believe that a writer’s talent, not their circumstances, should determine their path to success. These bursaries aim to ensure access to the Festival for underrepresented groups, including but not limited to individuals who are part of the global majority, D/deaf and Disabled people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Everyone needs a little help along the way and I sincerely hope that these bursaries will offer some amazing opportunities to aspiring writers.

Jane Gregory, who helped co-found the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003

The three bursaries offer a range of opportunities to attend the annual Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival:

1 x Full Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival weekend access with accommodation:

Four-night stay at a Festival hotel, arriving Wednesday 22 July 2026 and departing Sunday 26 July 2026
Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 23 July 2026, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am)
1 x Classic Rover Ticket, which includes a guaranteed seat to all 22 events on the Theakston Stage throughout the Festival weekend, along with lunch on Friday and Saturday.
£50 travel allowance

1 x Creative Thursday ticket and 1 x Classic Weekend Rover | Contribution to accommodation of up to £200

Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 23 July 2026, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am)
1 x Classic Rover Ticket, which includes a guaranteed seat to all 22 events on the Theakston Stage throughout the Festival weekend, along with lunch on Friday and Saturday.
Accommodation contribution of up to £200.00 upon presentation of a receipt from your accommodation provider.
£50 travel allowance

1 x Ticket to attend Creative Thursday, on Thursday 23 July 2026

Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 23 July 2026, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am)
1 x Weekend Site Pass (no events included) granting access to the Festival site Thursday – Sunday, including access to the Bookshop, Signings, Bars, and free on-site pop-up events.
20% off tickets for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival for up to two people per event (excludes Author Dinners)
£50 travel allowance

These bursaries aim to ensure access to the Festival for underrepresented groups, including but not limited to individuals who are part of the global majority, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Applications close Sunday 22 March 2026, with successful applicants contacted at the end of April

Apply Here

Jane Gregory holding a glass of red wine and smiling.

Jane Gregory Bursaries 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Jane Gregory Bursaries. Applications close on Sunday 22 March 2026, with successful applicants contacted by the end of April.

Apply Here

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