The International Agatha Christie Festival returns to Torbay from 12 to 20 September, with a packed programme of events celebrating the life, work and enduring legacy of one of the world’s most beloved authors.
From literary talks and historical exploration to family activities, film premieres and educational projects, the festival brings together residents and visitors to celebrate Torbay’s most famous literary figure. The annual festival has become a key part of Torbay’s cultural calendar, shining a spotlight on the Bay’s unique connection to one of the world’s best-selling authors.
Highlights of this year’s festival include the unveiling of a new Blue Plaque by Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard, a series of new short films celebrating her life and legacy, and educational activities involving more than 300 local children and young people.
This year’s festival opens with a four-day Fringe Festival, featuring a variety of social events and unique experiences in locations across the Bay. It will be followed by a four-day Literary Festival, hosted in the Spanish Barn at Torre Abbey, alongside a number of evening social events. The festival will conclude with a garden party featuring a special Agatha-themed twist.
One of the programme’s headline events is What Agatha Did in the Great War, taking place at the Assembly Rooms, Lymington Road in Torquay, on Sunday 13 September. The event explores Agatha Christie’s service as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse with the British Red Cross during the First World War and examines how those experiences influenced her later writing.
Earlier that day, the festival will mark this important chapter of Agatha Christie’s life with the unveiling of a new Torbay Civic Society Blue Plaque outside the Assembly Rooms. The plaque commemorates Christie’s wartime service between 1914 and 1918 and will be unveiled by Mathew Prichard at 12.30pm.
Alongside these events, visitors will have a range of opportunities to explore Agatha Christie’s connection to her hometown.
Families and younger visitors can enjoy the free Little Miss Marple and Mr Poirot Harbourside Trail, offering a fun and interactive way to explore Torquay. Trail sheets can be collected from the Visitor Information Centre on Vaughan Parade, with participants encouraged to spot eight Agatha Christie-inspired characters displayed in shop windows around the harbourside. Those who complete the trail can claim a special commemorative badge.
The festival also continues to encourage exploration of Christie’s hometown through the Agatha Christie Mile, an interactive map supported by Great Western Railway (GWR). The trail links key locations associated with Christie’s life and legacy, helping visitors discover the places that inspired one of the world’s most celebrated authors.
Reflecting the global reach of Agatha Christie’s legacy, Torbay and Spa in Belgium will take part in a town twinning ceremony on 17 September. The partnership will help strengthen cultural links between the two destinations and celebrate their shared connection to the world-famous author.
This year’s programme will also showcase a series of new short films celebrating Agatha Christie’s life and connection to Torbay, bringing fresh perspectives on the author to audiences of all ages.
Inspiring future generations remains at the heart of the festival. This year, organisers have worked with more than 300 local children and young people, helping them discover the joy of reading, storytelling and creativity through activities inspired by Agatha Christie’s life and works.
The wider festival programme includes author talks, performances, exhibitions, walks, heritage events and discussions, celebrating both Agatha Christie’s extraordinary literary legacy and her enduring connection to Torbay.
Councillor Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events and Corporate Services, said:
“Agatha Christie’s connection to Torbay continues to be a source of pride for our community. The International Agatha Christie Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate her life, achievements and enduring legacy while showcasing the unique heritage that makes Torbay so special.”
“With events ranging from the unveiling of a Blue Plaque recognising her wartime service to family-friendly activities, new films and literary experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
“The festival also helps inspire future generations through its work with local children and young people, encouraging a love of reading, storytelling and creativity.”
“Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are visiting for the first time, the festival brings people together to celebrate our shared connection to one of the world’s most loved authors and everything that makes Torbay such a special place.”
Matt Newbury, Festival Director for the International Agatha Christie Festival, said:
“This year’s programme celebrates many different aspects of Agatha Christie’s life, from her wartime service and literary achievements to her lasting connection with Torbay. Across the festival, people will have the opportunity to explore the places that inspired her, learn more about her remarkable story and enjoy a wide range of events, activities and experiences for all ages.”
“We are particularly excited to share new films, launch the Agatha Christie Mile, welcome families to our free harbourside trail, and continue our work with more than 300 local children and young people.”
“Whether you are a lifelong fan of Agatha Christie or discovering her work for the first time, the festival offers a chance to celebrate her extraordinary legacy while bringing together residents and visitors through a shared love of reading, history and culture.”
For full programme information and tickets, visit: www.iacf-uk.org
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