Agatha Christie festival brings bestselling authors to the English Riviera

Fans of Agatha Christie will descend on Torquay Museum next month as a day of talks, performances and themed events returns to the English Riviera.

The Spring Gathering, taking place on 11 April, follows a sell-out debut in 2025 and brings together authors, performers and readers for a programme inspired by the Queen of Crime, who was born in Torquay.

The day begins at Torquay Museum’s Pengelly Hall, where writer Tom Mead will explore locked-room mysteries, joined by bestselling crime authors Val McDermid and Abir Mukherjee.

Dr Mark Aldridge and Gray Robert Brown will also return with a live recording of the Swinging Christies podcast, with book signings running throughout the day.

Events continue in the evening at Livermead House Hotel, where ticket holders will be served a welcome drink and two-course meal alongside live music and talks. Author Kelly Mullen will discuss her latest book A Murder in Eight Cocktails, while Antony Johnston will host an interactive murder mystery game.

Tickets start from £80 and include a commemorative newspaper, pin badge and lanyard created exclusively for the event.

The weekend also marks the launch of a new Agatha Christie Digital Mile app, offering an interactive way to explore locations linked to the author’s early life in Torquay, including archive images and video content.

A costumed promenade along the Agatha Christie Mile will take place on the Sunday morning, with visitors encouraged to dress in 1920s-inspired outfits.