Agatha Christie Festival puts Torquay in the spotlight this spring

A celebration of Agatha Christie’s legacy will return to Torquay this spring following the sell-out success of its inaugural event.

Organisers have confirmed that the Spring Gathering 2026 will take place across Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April, bringing a packed programme of crime writing, talks, live performances and themed events to venues across the town.

The daytime programme on Saturday will be held at Pengelly Hall, Torquay Museum, and will feature talks from bestselling mystery writer Tom Mead, who will explore locked-room mysteries, alongside appearances from Val McDermid and Abir Mukherjee.

The day will also include a live recording of the popular podcast The Swinging Christies, hosted by Dr Mark Aldridge and Gray Robert Brown, focusing on 'The Confessions of Agatha Christie'.

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Throughout the day there will be opportunities for book signings, with books available to purchase from The East Gate Bookshop. The programme will also include an introduction to the new Agatha Christie Mile app, presented by festival creative director Matt Newbury.

Evening events will move to the Livermead House Hotel, where attendees will be welcomed with a drink before a two-course meal and live period music from vintage vocalist Terrie-May McNulty.

The evening programme includes a talk from Kelly Mullen about her new novel A Murder in Eight Cocktails, followed by an interactive murder mystery led by Antony Johnston, author of Can You Solve the Murder. The evening will also feature themed cocktails and further talks.

On Sunday 12 April, the weekend will conclude with a Golden Age costumed parade, inviting participants to dress in 1920s-style attire and walk the Agatha Christie Mile, following the popularity of a similar event at last year’s festival.

Tickets are available in two formats. Full weekend tickets, priced at £150, include access to all talks, a picnic-style lunch, evening meal and entertainment, exclusive festival merchandise, and participation in the costumed promenade. A limited number of day-only tickets, priced at £80, are also available and include access to the daytime talks, lunch, merchandise and the promenade. Drinks are not included with meals.

Organisers say ticket numbers are strictly limited.

Both Torquay Museum and Livermead House Hotel are fully accessible, with step-free access, accessible toilets and additional facilities available. Detailed accessibility information is available directly from the venues, and organisers say they will work to accommodate specific access requirements where possible.