Unmissable opportunity for under-represented writers as Jane Gregory Bursaries open for inspiring writers’ day at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026

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 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction, taking place in Harrogate on 23-26 July 2026.

Creative Thursday is an immersive and inspiring day of workshops and talks designed to nurture new crime writing talent taking place on 23 July, the opening day of the Festival. Led by bestselling crime writers and industry experts, the programme also includes a unique chance to pitch to publishing insiders in The Dragon’s Pen, hosted by Mark Billingham.

Creative Thursday has proved pivotal in the development of many now successful crime writers, including 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 2024 McDermid Debut Award, and 2023 attendee Rebecca Philipson whose debut novel ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ is published by Transworld this spring.

The Jane Gregory Bursaries were created to support the next generation of crime writers and offer recipients a life-changing opportunity to access the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and build connections in the literary world. All three bursaries are centred around Creative Thursday and include a contribution towards travel costs, with one bursary incorporating a Weekend Break Package with accommodation and tickets to all Festival main stage events.

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 22nd March.

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

“The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has a long tradition of discovering and nurturing new crime writing talent through its writing programme, awards and New Blood Panel. Our bursaries offer incredible opportunities for aspiring writers, regardless of their situation or background, to experience the magic of the Festival, sharpen their writing skills and be inspired at Creative Thursday.”

Rebecca Philipson, author of ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ and Creative Thursday attendee said: “I took part in Creative Thursday 2023 and 2024. I was still drafting ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ and the workshops were incredibly helpful. In particular, I attended a workshop on Using Psychology in Crime Fiction, which directly informed my work on DI Sam Hansen, my detective character. I attended Creative Thursday alone both years, and I was quite nervous about that, but people were friendly and I soon got chatting to fellow writers. It’s a great day – I wholeheartedly recommend Creative Thursday.”

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

“Creative Thursday at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has been a vital stepping stone in the early careers of many crime writers who’ve gone on to be hugely successful, and we can’t wait to welcome the 2026 cohort. The Jane Gregory bursaries for under-represented aspiring writers offer a fantastic opportunity to access the programme, learn from by bestselling authors, agents and editors, and build connections with industry insiders. We look forward to reading all of the application.”

Applications should be submitted to Harrogate International Festivals by 22 March 2026. The panel will consider each applicant’s background, writing aspirations and the difference the bursary could make to their creative journey before awarding the three bursaries.

Harrogate International Festivals is a registered arts charity which aims to bring immersive cultural experiences to as many people as possible, by bringing accessible arts, literature, community and education projects to Yorkshire and beyond, with a commitment to developing opportunities for readers and writers of all backgrounds.