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Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026 | FAQs

Please note that this page will be updated regularly as we are shaping the 2026 #TheakstonsCrime programme.

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is an immersive and busy experience; with events on the hour, nearly every hour and book signings in between there’s a lot going on.

All of our main events, unless otherwise stated, will take place on the Theakston Stage in the main event tent at the Old Swan Hotel, where seating is unreserved. You may need to queue to enter events, but rest assured, the quick turnaround time between sessions will ensure that queues move efficiently. After each event, the authors will be escorted to the bookshop for signings.

Whether you’re attending a single event or the entire weekend, exploring the bookshop, chatting with authors at the bar, or discovering the books and events everyone is talking about – this is a weekend you won’t want to miss! (previously: Whether you’re coming for one event or for the whole lot, to explore the bookshop, say hi to authors at the bar or see what books and events people are talking about – this is the weekend not to be missed!)

Still have some questions? Below you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

General Information

  • Swift Half Stage
    Swift Half stage events last approximately twenty‑five minutes, and there is no audience Q&A during these sessions. They are short, sharp conversations designed to give you a quick insight into an author or theme.

    Theakston Stage
    The programme on this stage includes several event types. Panel events bring together a group of crime authors to discuss a shared theme or topic within the genre, offering a lively mix of perspectives. Special Guest events feature a prominent figure from the world of crime fiction interviewed by a fellow author or invited interviewer, giving audiences a chance to hear from major voices in the field. In Conversation events allow you to spend an hour with two contemporary crime fiction authors as they explore each other’s work, influences and ideas.

    Wedgewood Restaurant
    The Author Dinners offers a relaxed dining experience where you can get to know your favourite authors in an informal setting. Tickets include a two‑course meal, a glass of wine and a copy of your table host’s book, making it a memorable and intimate part of the festival.

    Creative Writing Day
    Creative Thursday is a full day of writing workshops, panel discussions and pitching sessions created specifically for aspiring crime writers. It is immersive, practical and designed to give you the best possible chance of progressing toward the publishing deal you dream of. The day offers guidance, industry insight and hands‑on opportunities to develop your craft.

    Other Events
    Publisher and Festival Partner events run alongside the main programme each year. Many of these sessions are free, although tickets must still be booked to reserve your place. The content varies depending on each partner and may include short talks, pop‑up stalls, giveaways or informal interactive moments. These events add a fun and flexible extra dimension to the festival and change each year based on participating partners.

  • Thursday – Box Office opens at 3pm (Creative Thursday attendees will be sent separate instructions). The first event of the weekend is the Award Ceremony which begins at 8.00pm and is followed by an after party (approx. 9.15pm)

    Friday – Box Office opens at 8.15am. The day begins at 9.00am with the last event due to finish around 11.00pm.

    Saturday – Box Office opens at 8.15am. The day begins at 9.00am with the last event (Quiz Night) due to finish around 11.45pm.

    Sunday – Box Office opens at 8.15am. There will be 3 events from the main programme starting from 9.00am with the last event finishing around 1.00pm.

  • There is no dress code at any of our events, but we recommend dressing for the weather! The Old Swan Hotel can get quite warm during the summer months so please ensure you are wearing sensible footwear and dress appropriately.

  • Discover the Code of Conduct for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival here.

  • Harrogate International Festivals operates an Access Scheme to ensure we can better support audience members with specific access requirements. Anyone needing access arrangements must inform the festival team by 12 July, as certain adjustments may not be possible at short notice. Providing details in advance helps us prepare appropriately and offer the best experience for all attendees.

    Find out more about the Access Scheme here.

  • Please check at the Box Office for any lost property. Any personal items left at the Theakston Stage, Swift Half Stage, or any other festival location will be collected by staff and taken directly to the Box Office. After the Festival has finished, any unclaimed lost property will be handed over to the Old Swan Hotel reception.

Tickets and Packages

  • We have a number of ticket options available, from spending the whole weekend with us to choosing just to catch your favourite author.

    Weekend Break Packages – includes 3 nights accommodation (with breakfast); access to all events on the Theakston Stage; priority booking for additional events, including the Author Dinner, Publisher and Festival Partner events and a goody bag.

    Rover Tickets – a guaranteed seat to all events on the Theakston Stage on the day(s) of your choosing. Friday, Saturday and Weekend Rover tickets are available. Also includes access to our bars, signing room and book shops, as well as a goody bag.

    Individual Event Tickets – purchase tickets just for the authors of your choice, whilst still being able to soak in the Festival atmosphere, pop along to a book signing and enjoy a pint of Theakston Old Peculier at the bar.

    Site Passes – grants you access to the Festival grounds at The Old Swan Hotel, including the bookshop and the bar. Please note: Site passes do not give you access to any events on the Theakston Stage (main tent).

  • All Weekend Break Packages include either a Classic or Essential Weekend Rover Ticket, which entitles you entry into all the Theakston Stage events.

    There’s a few events that your Weekend Break Package won’t cover, which can be booked separately:

    • Creative Thursday
    • Author Dinners on Friday and Saturday
    • Swift Half Stage events
    • Publisher/ Festival Partner events which will be announced as we get closer to the Festival.

  • Festival tickets can be collected at the on-site Box Office from Thursday 23 July 2026. The Box Office is open from 8.30am on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July.

    Those attending Creative Thursday will be sent an email with ticket collection instructions nearer to the Festival.

  • Tickets will be available to purchase from the Festival Box Office at the Old Swan Hotel from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July, subject to availability. As many of our events sell out before the Festival, we cannot guarantee that tickets will be available to purchase on the day. Early booking is recommended.
  • The Box Office cannot refund money or exchange tickets, except in the case of a cancelled performance. We are happy to try to re-sell returned tickets for sold-out performances for a small charge.

  • If you wish to attend a specific sold-out event, we will run a waiting list until Wednesday 15 July which you can join should any tickets for that event become available for re-sale. Please contact the Box Office on 01423 562 303 to join.

    From Thursday 23 July there will only be an onsite waiting list which will open 10 minutes prior to the start of each event as we will be able to assess availability. Any onsite waiting list will supersede any previous waiting list.

  • Yes, you will be required to a show a ticket for each event to have a booked signed. Due to high demand, there is a limit of 3 books per person. If you do not hold a ticket for the event, you will be able to join the back of the book-signing queue once all ticket-holders have gone through, but we cannot guarantee that the author will have time to see you.

  • Seating for all events is unreserved. We normally open the doors around fifteen to twenty minutes before each event, but this timing can vary. Because we ask audiences to fully vacate the space between events so we can reset the stage, we open the doors as soon as the area is ready. This means doors may open earlier than fifteen to twenty minutes if preparation is completed quickly, or slightly later if additional setup is required. We kindly ask that queue etiquette is observed while waiting to enter.

    As many events will be sold out, we ask all audience members to help us accommodate every ticket holder by making full use of the seating available and avoiding leaving gaps between seats.

    Please note our Friends of the Festival get priority access to the events upon showing their Friends of the Festival membership card.

    Find out more about Friends of the Festival here.

Arriving and Getting Around

  • The Old Swan Hotel is located on Old Swan Road, Harrogate. For those using SatNav, just enter the postcode HG1 2SR. See the bottom of the page for a Google Map.
  • Our Box Office will be in a tent just outside the front of the Old Swan Hotel.

  • If you are using Sat Nav you can use the postcodes below or click on the name of each car park for more information including opening and closing times.

    The Old Swan Hotel – HG1 2SR (Drop off only)

    Jubilee Car Park – HG1 1DJ  

    Victoria Car Park – HG1 5LQ

    West Park Car Park – HG1 1HS

    Please note that there will be no parking available at the Old Swan Hotel.

    For guests staying at the Old Swan Hotel, we recommend using the above car parks, or there is on street parking around the hotel (York Road, Duchy Road). You will need a parking disc and the restrictions are from 8.00am to 8.00pm. You can park there to unload the car, drop your bags at the hotel and then go and park your car in the long stay car parks – restrictions are usually 3 hours.

    If you do not have a parking disc, there will be some available to collect at our Festival Box Office.

    Please remember to check the closing times of your car park and any on street parking signage as Harrogate International Festivals takes no responsibility for any additional fees incurred.

  • You don’t need to pick up your welcome pack from the Box Office at the Old Swan Hotel before checking in at your hotel; all you need is your name. However, if you have any concerns, then you can show the Hotel staff your confirmation email which you should have received at the time of booking. You will also receive a welcome email a couple of weeks prior to the Festival reconfirming all your accommodation details.

  • The Old Swan Hotel is fully wheelchair accessible. Please call the Festival Office on 01423 562 303 before Friday 10 July to discuss your additional access needs.
    More accessibility information here

  • Please call our Festival Box Office to discuss your access needs before Monday Friday 10 July.

    We are committed to ensuring all customers can enjoy our events equally. To better serve our patrons who have specific access needs we have our Access Scheme. The list is free to join and once you qualify as a member you may be entitled to a complimentary ticket (excluding food) for a Personal Assistant/Carer. Please be advised that we cannot offer retrospective discounts on tickets already purchased.

    More accessibility information here

Events and Activities

  • All main programme events take place at the Old Swan Hotel across the Theakston Stage, the Swift Half Stage, and various other on‑site locations. Every space will be clearly signposted on the day to help you find your event easily. The only exceptions are the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers and any Publisher or Festival Partner events, which may take place in alternative festival spaces.

  • We kindly ask that you leave the Theakston Stage area promptly when the event is finished to allow us to set the room for the following event.
  • Both of the Author Dinners will take place in the Wedgwood Restaurant at the Old Swan Hotel from 6.15pm onwards.
  • Yes! Waterstones are kindly providing a Festival bookstore at the Old Swan Hotel and they will host book signings after each event. The bookshop will be located in the Garden Room, and signings will take place within this area.

  • Please feel free to take pictures but ensure that your photography does not interfere with the experience or enjoyment of fellow audience members.To maintain a respectful environment, we kindly request that you avoid using flash or disruptive equipment during presentations. If you wish to take photos during an event please do so discreetly and from your seat.

Dining and Facilities

  • Lunches are included in with Classic Weekend, Friday and Saturday Rover tickets. Lunch will be served in the Wedgwood Restaurant from 12.00pm-2.00pm on Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July. Please be advised queues are expected so we recommend attending lunch early if you are able. If you hold a Rover pass, you can also pick up a quick lunch from our on-site Tuck Shop or BBQ, included in your ticket.

    Lunch is not included for Essential Rover passes. You can purchase lunch and refreshments on-site from our BBQ.

  • Yes! Harrogate International Festivals take both card and cash payments at the Box Office. The Old Swan Hotel only takes card payment.

Additional Opportunities

  • The Jane Gregory bursaries were created to ensure the widest possible access to the annual Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and to develop opportunities for readers and writers of all backgrounds. Focused on the Creative Thursday writing day, which has helped launch successful writers in the genre, these bursaries aim to support aspiring writers.

    Each year, four bursaries are offered, including: one full Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival weekend access with accommodation and a travel allowance; one Creative Thursday ticket and one Classic Weekend Rover, which includes a contribution to accommodation; and two tickets to attend Creative Thursday.

    Click here for more information

  • Becoming a Friend of the Festivals is one of the best ways to enjoy all that the Harrogate International Festivals have to offer, from big name stars, to intimate concerts and hidden gems. As a charitable arts organisation, we rely on the generous support of our Friends of the Festival to create the quality and range of work we do. Not only can you support Harrogate International Festivals year-round, but each level of membership unlocks more perks! You can find out more about our Festival Friends and the benefits of membership here.

  • The Festival Friends’ Lounge is located in the Bramham Suite inside the Old Swan Hotel. The lounge features a screen with a live link to all Theakston Stage events, with the exception of the Late Night Quiz, which is not streamed. Because the lounge shows live event content, all Friends must hold a valid ticket for the event currently being streamed in order to enter, as well as showing their Friend of the Festival Membership card. Seating in the lounge is limited, so access is reserved for members of the Friends scheme. Plus‑ones may be admitted only if space allows at each event, and this cannot be guaranteed, as the lounge is a new and more restricted space for 2026.

    Friends of the Festival also receive priority entrance to the Theakston Stage. Members may bring one guest with them for priority entry, provided they show their Friends of the Festival membership card at the door.

How to Crack the #TheakstonsCrime Code

  • If you’re new to the Festival, would like a refresher, or simply want to meet fellow crime fiction fans, our Fresher’s Welcome Sessions offer a relaxed introduction to the weekend.

    These sessions give you a clear rundown of what’s happening across the Festival: how the site works, what’s taking place on the main stages, details of side events such as author dinners, and an overview of what our publishers and partners are doing. We’ll also share practical tips on where to find food, quiet spaces, signing areas, and the best spots to soak up the atmosphere. The Sessions are free to attend, but we ask you to book a ticket so we can manage numbers and ensure there is enough time and space for everyone.

    If you haven’t booked but would like to join, you are welcome to come along and see if space is available on the day.

    Sessions run at 5.00pm and 6.30pm on Thursday, and at 8.30am on Friday and Saturday mornings.

    Book Here

  • If you’re feeling a little shy, attending on your own, or simply want to chat with someone new, our Friendly Tables are the perfect place to start.

    Located in the Drinking Detective tent outside at the Old Swan Hotel, this welcoming spot is designed for easy conversation and connection. You can sit down knowing you won’t be disturbing anyone, and there is almost always someone around, Festival volunteers, seasoned attendees, and sometimes even authors, happy to talk books, share tips or simply enjoy a friendly chat.

    There’s no booking and no fuss; just pull up a chair and say hello. If you find yourself with a spare hour and would like to help others feel at home, you’re warmly encouraged to head to the Friendly Table and act as a volunteer presence.

  • The go-to group for all 2026 #TheakstonsCrime Festival goers.
    Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July 2026 – it would be a crime to miss it!
    Please note that this group is only monitored between Monday and Friday, 9am- 5pm.
    Members must adhere to the rules they agreed to when they joined. Anyone who does not follow these rules will be asked to leave the group. Please contact crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk with any questions or concerns.

Top Tips from Festival Goers & Insiders

    • Make your wishlist! When site, mark what you want to see.
    • Some events may not appear in the programme – these are usually private industry events. If unsure, just ask us!
    • There’s more than the main stage – check out the Reacher Room, Dead Giveaways tent, HQ tables and more.
    • Pop-up events? Always free and always worth a look. Full listing will be available on site.
    • Refill your bottle at our water stations (they’re dotted around the site).
    • Bring snacks or grab something from the food stalls or tuck shop.
    • Use the facilities. Don’t wait until you’re desperate – this isn’t a crime scene.
    • Leave time to eat, rest and soak it all in – you’re here to enjoy!
    • Yorkshire is known for four seasons in one day.
    • Bring layers, a brolly, and yes – sunscreen!
    • We have covered spaces, but come prepared as you’ll be outside as you move around the site.
    • Authors are friendly – if you see one standing alone, say hi!
    • The Drinking Detective bar is a brilliant place to make Festival friends.
    • Find a deckchair (or a giant green chair), settle in, and people-watch with a good book.
    • Need quiet? Visit Masham Tent, it’s the perfect chillout zone.

  • It’s absolutely fine to miss an event. The Festival is full of things to do, but there’s also plenty of space to pause, breathe and enjoy a quieter moment. One of our Team’s favourite places to unwind is Valley Gardens, just a two‑minute walk from the Old Swan Hotel, literally at the end of the road facing the Box Office. It’s a beautiful open space where you can step away from the buzz, reset, and return to the Festival feeling refreshed.

  • Have a brilliant time. Make it your Festival – enjoy it your way!

Take a Break… Step into Harrogate!

  • Bettys Tea Room & Shop | HG1 2QU
    A Harrogate institution since 1919. Afternoon tea, rich patisserie, warm welcomes – need we say more?

  • Valley Gardens | HG1 2SZ
    Right on our doorstep – just a 2-minute walk from the Festival site. Visit the Japanese Garden, pass by the boating pond, or simply wander and grab an ice cream.

    • The Place at the Crown Hotel | HG1 2RZ
      This relaxed brasserie is a Festival favourite. Great for a chilled drink or a sneaky bite between panels.
      Show your Festival ticket/pass and receive 20% off food and drinks during the Festival weekend
    • The Barking George at the Harrogate Inn | HG1 2SY
      A modern pub with charm. Great food, lovely atmosphere – perfect for lunch, dinner or an early evening pint.
    • The Fat Badger | HG2 0NF
      Well-established and warmly atmospheric, this pub offers hearty fare in a classic-meets-contemporary setting.
    • Number 35 | HG1 1DH
      A cosy and loved little café. A favourite for specialty coffee and an even better vibe.
    • Crema Coffee | HG1 2SZ
      This slick coffee bar also serves up brilliant brunch and snacks.
    • Starling | HG1 1PW
      Coffee, cake and even pizza if you can’t decide! What’s not to like!
    • Mercer Art Gallery (Free Entry) | HG1 2SA
      Literally around the corner. Harrogate’s top art venue, currently home to Aesthetica Art Prize 20. Open ‘til 5pm.
    • Royal Pump Room Museum (admission from £3.20 to £4.20) | HG1 2RY
      Step into Harrogate’s spa-town past. Russian royals, literary legends and local secrets await.

  • Morrisons Daily is just 2 minutes away, walk straight ahead as you leave the Festival and it is just opposite the Royal Pump Room Museum – perfect for a quick top-up.

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