CrimeFest. One of the UK’s most loved crime-writing festivals.

CrimeFest is a convention for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. Drawing top crime novelists, readers, editors, publishers and reviewers from around the world, it gives all delegates the opportunity to celebrate the genre in a friendly, informal and inclusive atmosphere.

The CrimeFest programme consists of interviews with its featured and highlighted guest authors; over forty panels with more than a hundred participating authors; a gala awards dinner; and one or two surprises.

In 2017, featured authors include Peter Lovesey, Anthony Horowitz, the Queens of Icelandic crime and CWA Diamond Dagger recipient for 2017, Ann Cleeves. The Diamond Dagger is the highest honour awarded in British crime writing. It recognises authors whose crime writing careers have been marked by sustained excellence, and who have made a significant contribution to the genre.

Talking of Daggers, this is the event at which the longlists for the majority of the CWA Daggers will be announced at a special reception on Friday 19 May. It’s free for full pass holders to attend – for more details please contact: info@crimefest.com

The CWA Dagger longlists to be announced:

Gold Dagger, Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger, Endeavour Historical Dagger, Short Story Dagger, International Dagger and Debut Dagger (our competition for the opening to an unpublished crime novel, sponsored by Orion Books).

The winner of the CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition will also be announced.

Bristol, May 18-21. Don’t miss it.