The world’s biggest celebration of crime fiction is to expand this July in Harrogate with the launch of a new exciting and intimate stage.

Harrogate International Festivals said it is delighted to announce the launch of the Swift Half Stage at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the most prestigious celebration of crime fiction on the planet.

Taking place at the Old Swan Hotel from July 23-26, as HIF celebrates its 60th anniversary, this exciting expansion reflects a Festival looking firmly to the future.

Named in a nod to the Festival’s long-standing partnership with Theakston Brewery at Masham, this innovative new space will champion brilliant storytellers, rising stars and boundary-pushing creatives in a series of intimate, bite-size events.

Bestselling author Mick Herron will take an entertaining look at the evolution of the spy hero as part of the new Swift Half Stage at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate this summer. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Bestselling author Mick Herron will take an entertaining look at the evolution of the spy hero as part of the new Swift Half Stage at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate this summer. (Picture contributed)

Renowned writers behind TV hits such as Broadchurch and Slow Horses who will appear on the Swift Half Stage will include: Mick Herron, David McCloskey, Chris Chibnall, M.J. Arlidge Ahana Virdi, Will Carver, Harriet Tyce, Anna Mazzola, Clare McGowan, Kia Abdullah and Rebecca Philipson.

Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said: “We are proud to have supported the world’s biggest and best crime writing Festival for an incredible 23 years and delighted to see the Festival grow and innovate with the introduction of the Swift Half Stage.”

Swift Half Stage highlights

Mick Herron and David McCloskey will take an entertaining look at the evolution of the spy hero, from glamorous Cold War operatives to today’s flawed protagonists.

Author and Broadchurch showrunner Chris Chibnall, and TV writer and author M.J. Arlidge, compare the craft of writing novels and TV drama.

Exciting new voices in contemporary crime and psychological fiction, Ahana Virdi and Will Carver, discuss dark minds and twisted tales.

Harriet Tyce and Anna Mazzola will pair up for a fast, fun game of secrets and deception.

Fan favorites Clare McGowan and Kia Abdullah will discuss why secrets are so powerful in crime fiction.

Rising star Rebecca Philipson, whose journey to publication began at the Festival’s Creative Thursday, discusses her debut novel How to Get Away With Murder with Val McDermid.

Tickets are available now from: https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/festival/theakston-old-peculier-crime-writing-festival/

Or call 01423 562303.