The highly anticipated Agatha Christie Festival is set to return to Devon’s English Riviera from 07 to 15 September this year, with a schedule packed full of murder mystery-themed events.
Celebrating the life and works of the world-renowned mystery writer in her birthplace, the festival promises an engaging mix of cultural talks, literary walks, sightseeing, sea swims, film screenings, workshops, and theatrical performances.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the unique literary and geological heritage of the outstanding South Devon coastline of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham through a vibrant programme that includes both main events and an exciting Fringe lineup.
This year’s festival will explore new creative dimensions, featuring events including the Fringe opening Sparkling Cyanide, an exciting and eclectic theatre event with vintage vibes, A Marple-ous Garden Party, an evening drinks party in the stunning walled gardens at Torre Abbey with live jazz music and a mystery to solve and Paignton Zoo Murder Mystery, a 1920s murder mystery evening at the famous zoo.
There are also events at Kents Cavern, the UNESCO Global Geopark prehistoric cave network, to mark the 100th Anniversary of Christie’s earliest adventure story, The Man In the Brown Suit, including a talk, a special tour and an underground film festival.
In addition, the Literary Festival boasts an impressive line-up of speakers chatting about various aspects of Agatha’s life and works, as well as the genre of crime fiction in general. Opening the four-day programme is headline guest, Lynda La Plante, who will launch her memoir, Getting Away with Murder: My Unexpected Life on Page, Stage and Screen.
The packed programme continues with Christie experts, academics, enthusiasts, and authors discussing every aspect of Agatha’s life, from her travels to her book covers to the use of jewellery or the role of doctors in her novels. The Literary Festival closes with special guests, Ragnar Jónasson (Dark Iceland series) and Benjamin Stevenson (Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone) chatting to Jake Kerridge about their love of Agatha Christie and her influences on their work.
Festival Director, Matt Newbury comments: “We are excited to welcome Agatha Christie fans from around the world, with last year seeing guests from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, North America, South America and across Europe visit the place of her birth set against the stunning coastal backdrop of the English Riviera.
“Join us for a week of cultural talks, walks, films, swims, workshops and performances, plus an exciting Fringe programme which promises to be bigger and better than ever in the picturesque English Riviera – the home of Agatha Christie”
Under the patronage of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, the festival continues to honour Agatha Christie’s legacy by fostering creativity and celebrating her enduring influence on literature and culture.
For more details and to plan your visit, please visit https://www.iacf-uk.org/2024
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