Thrilling opportunity for under-represented writers to attend the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2025 as Jane Gregory Bursaries open

Applications are now open for the Jane Gregory Bursaries which offer three under-represented writers a unique opportunity to attend the Creative Thursday writing day at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2025, the globally renowned celebration of crime fiction presented by Harrogate International Festivals.

Creative Thursday, an immersive and inspiring day of workshops and talks led by industry experts and bestselling crime writers including Vaseem Khan, Mick Herron, Will Dean and Laura Shepherd Robinson, takes place on 17 July 2025, the opening day of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

Creative Thursday has provided the foundations and growth for a range of now successful writers in the genre including bestselling author Mari Hannah, who went on to become the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Programming Chair in 2019, Suzy Aspley whose thriller Crow Moon was shortlisted for the McDermid Debut Award in 2024 and Andrew Bourelle who has collaborated with James Patterson on the popular Texas Ranger crime fiction series.

The Jane Gregory Bursaries were created to support the next generation of crime writers, offering recipients the opportunity to access the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. One of the bursaries incorporates a Weekend Break Package with accommodation and tickets to all Festival main stage events, whilst the Festival’s Creative Thursday Workshops are offered in all three bursaries, along with travel contributions.

Applications from under-represented writers, who may lack opportunities due to disabilities, identity, health or social circumstances, are welcomed here. Please note applications close on Friday 18 April.  

Literary agent Jane Gregory, who helped co-found the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 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.”

Crime and mystery fiction author and McDermid Debut prize winner Suzy Aspley said:

“I took part in Creative Thursday in the summer of 2019 which was a pivotal year for me. I remember the brilliant and inspiring writing session with Isobel Ashdown and Kate Rhodes and getting the chance to pitch at Dragon’s Pen when Jane Gregory was on the panel. Coming back last year as an author on the McDermid Debut Prize shortlist was a dream come true. I’m certain these bursaries will help inspire new writers to find their creative path and create new crime fiction stars of the future.”

Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar, said:

“The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has a long tradition of nurturing and inspiring new crime writing talent through its writing programme, awards and annual New Blood panel. We are thrilled to offer under-represented aspiring writers this fantastic opportunity to come along to Creative Thursday, learn from the very best in the business and make vital connections with industry insiders. We look forward to reading your application – whatever stage you are at on your crime writing journey.”

The Harrogate International Festivals team, in collaboration with Jane Gregory, will review all applications and award the bursaries to support the successful applicants on their creative journeys.