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 develop opportunities for readers and writers of all backgrounds. 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.

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 enshttps://harrogateinternationalfesure 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 16 July 2025 and departing Sunday 20 July 2025
    • Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 17 July 2025, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am)
    • 1 x Classic Rover Ticket, which includes a guaranteed seat at all 21 events from the main programme 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 17 July 2025, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am)
    • 1 x Classic Rover Ticket, which includes a guaranteed seat at all 21 events from the main programme 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 17 July 2025
    • Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 17 July 2025, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am).
    • 20% off tickets for the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival for up to two people per event (excludes Author Dinners)
    • £50 travel allowance

Am I eligible?
These bursaries aim to ensure access to the Festival for underrepresented groups, including individuals who are Black, Asian or part of a Minority Ethnic group, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

How do I apply?
Please follow the link to submit your application.

What is the Deadline?
Please submit your application by Friday 18 April 2025, and we will notify you of the outcome by Friday 2 May 2025.

The Harrogate International Festival team, in collaboration with Jane Gregory, will review all applications and award the bursaries to support the successful applicants on their creative journeys. If you are awarded a bursary but have already purchased a ticket or package it covers, the Festival will reimburse you accordingly. Please retain all receipts for this purpose.

APPLY NOW