The Agatha Christie Festival 2026 is set to captivate fans with a nine-day celebration in Torquay, honouring significant anniversaries of the legendary author’s works. The festival will commemorate the 100th anniversary of "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" and the 50th anniversary of both the final Miss Marple novel, "Sleeping Murder," and Christie's death in 1976.
The festivities will kick off with a four-day Fringe Festival, featuring events at hidden locations linked to Christie. Highlights include a journey on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, a riverboat cruise on the River Dart, and underground screenings at Kents Cavern. Visitors can also enjoy exclusive events at Greenway House and Ugbrooke House.
In collaboration with the British Red Cross, the festival will host "What Agatha Did in the Great War" at Torquay Town Hall, celebrating Christie's voluntary work during the war. The event will include talks, films, and a tea dance.
The Literary Festival will begin on 16 September at Torre Abbey, featuring a special Roger Ackroyd Day on 17 September. Notable attendees include Dr John Curran, Ian Bishop, and Robert Thorogood. The programme will also feature authors Lucy Foley, Cathy Rentzenbrink, and Tina Hodgkinson.
Matt Newbury, Creative Director of the festival, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We have worked hard to create one of the biggest and most enjoyable Festivals yet.” Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, added, “This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of our biggest celebrations yet.”
With over 8,000 attendees from 30 countries in 2025, the 2026 festival promises to be an unmissable event for Christie enthusiasts
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
