Val McDermid Headlines 2013 Agatha Christie Festival
The acknowledged queen of the psychological thriller, Val McDermid will be a big draw at this year’s world-famous Agatha Christie Festival. Val will be talking about how she admired and drew inspiration from Torquay’s beloved Queen of Crime.
McDermid is a top ten best seller and has been translated into over 30 languages. Val’s latest novel, Cross and Burn, her 27th novel, will be out in October 2013. A regular broadcaster with BBC Radio, Val’s five-part Woman's Hour drama Village SOS, was broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
In 2011 Val also presented BBC Radio 4 serial The Chalet School, in which she talked about how the series of books inspired her education and career. She has presented Pick of the Week on BBC Radio 4 and has fronted several features for BBC Two’s The Culture Show.
The popular ITV series Wire in the Blood, based on McDermid’s books and starring Robson Green as Tony Hill, ran for an impressive six series. A 3-part ITV drama of Val’s A Place of Execution was broadcast in the autumn of 2007 to great critical acclaim and won the 2010 Edgar Award for Best Screenplay. Val recently had her first children’s book published – My Granny is a Pirate! Spectacularly successful festival appearances followed creating a new, and somewhat younger, following.
Prizes!
Some fabulous prizes will be on offer for ticket holders to this event. Exclusive: chance to win a piece of the set from ITV’s Poirot series, PLUS a set of signed Val McDermid books.
Val’s appearance is expected to be a big draw, so get your tickets now for this fabulous 3-course, black tie literary dinner!
Thursday 19 September, 7.30pm
The Famous Agatha Christie Festival:
Celebrating the life of the Queen of Crime is what it’s all about. Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and the world-famous festival has Devon’s English Riviera buzzing with visitors from around the globe. Walking off with 2 prestigious awards last year including Visit Devon’s prestigious Tourism Event of the Year accolade, this year’s festival is expected to be an absolute sell-out.
For the first time in 2013 there will be a vibrant ‘Festival Hub’ at the sea-facing Grand Hotel in Torquay where Agatha Christie stayed on her honeymoon. Festivalgoers will also be able to visit Greenway, her beautiful holiday residence stunningly located on the banks of the idyllic River Dart and can also meet Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard as well as the enigmatic Hercule Poirot (Martin Gaisford).
Other Top Billing Events:
Kate Mosse and Simon Brett starring on the Festival’s Literary Panel
This is another must-see, top event as best-selling authors Kate Mosse and Simon Brett join the Agatha Christie Festival as special guests for a Literary Panel event at the Grand Hotel, Torquay.
Early booking is also recommended for the Literary Panel.
Friday 20 September, 7.30pm
STOP PRESS!
Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard, will be hosting a special event with a mystery guest (further details to be announced) on Thursday, 19 September from 4.30 – 5.30pm at the Festival Hub at Torquay’s Grand Hotel.
MORE NEW EVENTS FOR 2013:
NEW! Cocktails, Costumes, Cake and Cole Porter
Sunday 15 September, 6.00pm
NEW! An Archaeologist's View of Northern Iraq in the 1950s
Tuesday 17 September, 6.30pm
NEW! 1940s-1950s party aboard the Fairmile
Wednesday 18 September, 7pm departure from Torquay, 8pm departure from Brixham.
NEW AND EXCLUSIVE! Cream Tea and First Editions at Greenway
Monday 16 September, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm
NEW! AGATHA CHRISTIE SIGHTSEEING TOURS Experience the ultimate sightseeing tour of Agatha Christie's Riviera with South Devon and Dartmoor. Monday & Tuesday 16 and 17 September.
THEATRE: Go Back For Murder - Opening Night
Monday 16 September, 7.30pm
For lots more about the famous Agatha Christie Festival and to book your tickets now, please visit the dedicated website at: www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie
Main Festival sponsor HarperCollins has been publishing Agatha Christie’s novels since 1926.
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