The Big Read 2026

Join us for the launch of The Big Read 2026, the North of England’s biggest annual reading‑group event, returning to the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival this summer.

This year’s featured book is The Whisper Man by Alex North, and we’re thrilled to welcome Alex himself for this special one‑off launch event.

The session will be led by the 2026 Festival’s Reader‑in‑Residence, Julie Mae Cohen, who will guide an open discussion suitable for all readers.

You do not need to have read the book beforehand. Everyone who books to attend the Big Read will receive a free copy of The Whisper Man, handed out at the event.

The Big Read event is completely free to attend, but advance booking is essential as places are limited.

As the event takes place within the Festival site, attendees who do not already hold a valid Festival ticket will be issued with the appropriate Site Pass to enable access to the venue for this event. The pass does not include admission to Festival sessions or events, which require separate tickets.

After the Festival, the Big Read will travel across northern libraries and community venues as part of HIF Engage’s regional programme, creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect with books, authors and each other. The full free autumn programme will be announced in late summer.

This event is supported by: Michael Joseph