When: 15th – 22nd September 2013
Where: Across Torquay, Devon
£: Ticket prices vary depending on the event (see website for details)
What is it?
Celebrating the life of the Queen of Crime, the Agatha Christie Festival takes place this month across Torquay with literary events, theatre, cream teas and of course a murder mystery. Contrary Life has picked out some festival highlights:
The Agatha Christie Festival Literary Dinner:
Crime and thriller author Val McDermid will be appearing at the Festival’s Literary Dinner at Torquay’s Grand Hotel on Thursday 19th September. This black-tie event costs £45 for a three-course literary dinner which includes a welcome drink. McDermid is a successful writer whose books have previously been adapted for TV. Her 27th novel, Cross and Burn, will be out next month.
Cocktails, Costumes, Cake and Cole Porter:
Put on your glad rags on Sunday 15th September and enjoy a birthday celebration for the Queen of Crime at her honeymoon hotel. Enjoy a themed cocktail and a piece of Delicious Death cake before enjoying a sing-along with a Cole Porter trio, who’ve come to the festival especially from Paris. Tickets for this event cost £20.
An Archaeologist’s View of Northern Iraq in the 1950s:
The English Riviera’s home of archaeology, Kents Cavern, hosts a three course dinner, tour of the caves and talk from eminent archaeologist Dr Joan Oates. Oates worked at Nimrud with Max Mallowan and his wife Agatha Christie-Mallowan. With a brief introduction to Nimrud, the talk will focus on their Friday picnics including visits to the Yezidi ‘Spring Festival’, the monastery at Al Qosh and picnics in Kurdistan. This event takes place on Tuesday 17th September at 6.30pm, beginning with a wine reception. Tickets cost £50.
1940s-1950s party aboard the Fairmile:
On Wednesday 18th September it’ll be time to put down your pens and reading books, relax and dress up on for a 1940s and 50s soiree; taking place aboard the WWII heritage ship, the Fairmile. There’ll be music from the era with canapés and a welcome glass of bubbly served while you cruise around South Devon’s beautiful bay. The cruise will depart at 7pm from Torquay and 8pm from Brixham. Tickets cost £20.
Cream Tea and First Editions at Greenway:
On Monday 16th September visit Greenway behind closed doors for this exclusive event designed specifically for the Agatha Christie Festival. Travel on the Agatha Christie Vintage Bus to Greenway where for the first time ever you will be able to hold their collection of Agatha Christie first editions (with gloves of course). Tickets cost £35 which includes a cream tea.
Murder Mystery on the Dining Train:
Board the Riviera Belle Dining Train for an evening of murder and mystery in conjunction with the Candlelight Theatre Company. You will be greeted on the platform with a glass of sparkling wine. Cuisine will be provided by Hennessy Restaurant, Torquay. Let time pass you by as you prepare to savour a new and exciting gastronomic experience, but be on your guard at all times…
More info: www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie