Applications Open for the Jane Gregory Bursaries

Applications are now open for the Jane Gregory Bursaries, created to ensure access to the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the globally renowned celebration of crime fiction, and to open opportunities for writers who may face barriers to attend such programmes.

The bursaries are centered around our Creative Thursday writing day, which has provided the foundations and growth for a range of now successful writers in the genre.

We welcome applications from aspiring writers from underrepresented backgrounds, including but not limited to individuals from the global majority, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Jane Gregory, who helped co-found the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003 said: “Everyone needs a little help along the way and I sincerely hope that these bursaries will offer some amazing opportunities to aspiring writers. The funding will help to ensure that anyone, regardless of their situation or background, can have access to creative writing, whether they plan to write for themselves or if they wish to develop into a literary prize winner and bestseller.”

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

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