11 Crime Festivals Not To Miss In 2017

We’re at the start of a brand new year so I thought it was time to do this post again. I did one last year and it proved popular but I left it until March which might have been a bit late for some people to organise themselves planning the year ahead, so I promised myself that come 2017 I would put the post out in January.

And here we are, already!

If you love crime fiction and you want to meet fellow crime fiction lovers, readers, writers, agents, editors and even some TV personalities then here is your list of 11 crime festivals not to miss in 2017.

1. Granite Noir. Taking place in Aberdeen the festival website states that “over three days we’ll explore the enduring appeal of stories that plunge us into the heart of darkness – where morality is ambiguous, motives complicated, and even heroes harbour devastating secrets.” Friday 24th – Sunday 26th February 2017.
2. Deal Noir. Taking place at The Landmark Centre, Deal on Saturday 25th March 2017 Deal Noir is a festival which features best-selling authors speaking on crime fiction in all its forms from dark psychological thrillers through police procedurals to light-hearted romps.
3. Quais Du Polar. If you fancy a trip to France for your crime fiction then this is for you. Taking place in Lyon the festival is aimed at all audiences: bulimic readers of police novels, detective amateurs, enthusiasts of the news story, cinephiles in search of sensations, curious walkers, citizens attentive to the march of the world, party lovers and Meetings, fans of graphics and comic books … Big or small, alone, with friends or family, day or night: everyone has a meeting at the Quays of the Polar! 31st March – 2nd April 2017.
4. Newcastle Noir. Taking place at Newcastle’s Literary & Philosophical Society, Newcastle Noir is a festival dedicated to promoting crime fiction under all its guises from all over the world. The launch night will take place on 28/04/17 with Denise Mina. The festival itself will be on 29th – 30th April 2017. 
5. Crimefest. Taking place at The Marriott Royal, Bristol, 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. 18th – 21st May 2017
6. Rebusfest. Taking place in Edinburgh, RebusFest will reflect the many facets of the irascible old rogue – a fun-filled, entertaining and revealing weekend is guaranteed. 30th June – 2nd July 2017.
7. Thrillerfest. Another trip out the UK for this one. Taking place at the Grand Hyatt, New York, Thrillerfest is the premiere conference for thriller enthusiasts, bringing together famous authors and new ones along with industry professionals, agents, and fans.  It’s a vibrant hub of literary networking and social interaction.  11th – 15th July 2017.
8. Theakston’s Crime Writing Festival. Taking place at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, the crime feastival now in its 15th year, celebrates the very best in crime fiction each July. The Festival is a firm date in the literary calendar and has achieved international acclaim for the programming, organisation and atmosphere. 20th – 23rd July 2017.
9. Bloody Scotland. Taking place in Stirling for fans of National and International crime with special events set up to celebrate Edinburgh and Glasgow as crime fiction settings. 8th – 10th September 2017.
10. Noirwhich. Taking place across three unique venues in Norwich, including the 15 century, Grade 1 listed Dragon Hall the festival mixes together author talks and Q&As with workshops for aspiring writers. Whether you’re a reader, a writer or a bit of both you’ll find something at Noirwich. 14th – 17th September 2017.
11. Bouchercon. Fancy a trip to Canada? Taking place at the Sheraton centre, Bouchercon is an annual world mystery convention where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a 4-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun! 12th – 15th October 2017.