Venues & Events

The Old Swan in Harrogate to host 10th Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

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Category: Venues & Events

Created on Friday, 18 May 2012 15:24

The Old Swan in Harrogate to host 10th Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

The Old Swan in Harrogate, a favourite of the queen of crime writers Agatha Christie, has once again been chosen as the host venue – most appropriately – for the 10th Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in July.
The Old Swan is a fitting venue for the festival as it is where legendary crime novelist Agatha Christie was eventually discovered after her mysterious disappearance in 1926, explains General Manager David Ritson: “Like all hotels within the Classic Lodges Group, the Old Swan is steeped in history,” he says.

“Its link with arguably the greatest of all crime writers, combined with the magnificent building, its location and its ability to accommodate a large number of guests, make it an ideal choice for a literary festival, and we are particularly delighted to be once again welcoming the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival to our hotel.”

The Old Swan, one of the most famous hotels in Harrogate, has a history going back some 200 years. With seven reception rooms, 136 contemporary-styled bedrooms and parking for up to 175 cars, it combines the practical facilities demanded by larger events with the intimacy afforded by its famous glass-ceilinged Wedgwood restaurant and library.

The annual Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival started in 2003 and is ranked one of the top three literary festivals in the UK by The Guardian. It is described by the organisers as ‘a must for both dedicated crime fiction fans and newcomers to the genre.’

Headlining the festival this summer are heavyweights Jo Nesbo, Harlan Coben, John Connolly, Kate Mosse, Peter Robinson, Peter James and Ian Rankin. The festival is chaired by Mark Billingham, creator of Detective Inspector Tom Thorne.

The Old Swan is the newest member of Classic Lodges Hotel Group that features eight hotels in fabulous locations from the Scottish Borders to the Sussex Downs, and the Cotswolds to the Yorkshire Dales. Each of the hotels shares the Classic Lodges’ signature warm welcome, and the very highest standards of comfort and hospitality.