Episode Details

In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa chats to Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and Harrogate International Festivals.

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at one of the world’s most beloved crime fiction festivals, this is the episode for you.

Sharon shares:

• how the festival began back in 2003
• why Harrogate feels different from other book festivals
• the famous beer tent atmosphere
• festival gossip and disasters over the years
• lone traveller meet-ups and making the event inclusive
• authors going missing
• the hotel nearly catching fire
• the fiercely competitive quiz night
• why readers are truly at the heart of Harrogate

Philippa and Sharon also discuss:

• the rise of crime fiction festivals
• balancing blockbuster authors with exciting debuts
• the new Swift Half Stage
• why readers return year after year
• proof copies, goodie bags and “golden goodie bags”
• festival nerves, security and keeping events safe

Plus: an unexpectedly passionate biscuit debate involving Kit Kats, digestives and secret chocolate habits.

This Year’s Festival Highlights

Featured authors and events mentioned include:

• Lisa Jewell
• Lee Child
• David Baldacci
• Anthony Horowitz
• Ann Cleeves
• Chris Whitaker
• Alice Feeney
• Steve Cavanagh
• Holly Jackson
• Brenda Blethyn
• Harlan Coben
• Val McDermid
• Mark Billingham

Why Listeners Will Love This Episode

If you love:

• crime fiction
• book festivals
• behind-the-scenes publishing stories
• author gossip
• reader communities
• literary events
• festival planning chaos
• funny podcast conversations

…this episode is for you.

Memorable Moments

• The “freshers’ welcome” for lone travellers
• Golden goodie bag brainstorming
• Authors accidentally trying to enter the wrong hotel room
• The legendary Harrogate beer tent
• The near-disaster involving a cigarette and the hotel
• The wildly competitive late-night quiz
• Sharon’s emergency Kit Kat stash

Biscuit Verdict

Sharon chooses:

• Jammie Dodgers
• Two-finger Kit Kats (strictly rationed)
• Chocolate digestives… eaten unconventionally.

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