Agatha Christie Festival 2025 to bring nine days of mystery as full programme revealed

Organisers of the International Agatha Christie Festival have revealed the full programme for the 2025 edition, which will run from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 September across the English Riviera.

Now in its latest edition, the festival offers an immersive celebration of Christie’s legacy in her birthplace of Torquay, with a mix of literary discussions, theatrical events, walking tours and family-friendly activities.

The popular Fringe Festival will return to launch the programme, featuring site-specific events inspired by Christie’s life and works. Highlights include a walking tour charting her life story, an afternoon tea at the Imperial Hotel – where Christie is said to have written – and a screening of a classic mystery film at Kents Cavern, known locally for its prehistoric caves.

Other events include a church tea at All Saints in Torre, where Christie was baptised, and a playful murder mystery at Paignton Zoo. ‘Bodies in the Library’ at Paignton Library offers a late-night mystery-solving experience, while Torquay Museum will host a one-man comedy show, It’s a Mystery!, performed by Tim Benzie.

From 18 September, the festival enters its literary phase with talks from authors and cultural commentators. Among the headline sessions are bestselling writers Sophie Hannah and Lucy Foley, who join HarperCollins’ David Brawn to discuss continuing the legacies of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot.

Television screenwriter Chris Chibnall, known for Broadchurch and Doctor Who, will discuss his debut crime novel Death at the White Hart, and reflect on adapting Christie’s work for television.

Above: Agatha Christie Festival 2024. Image: Appleton Event Photography

While a live recording of the podcast All About Agatha has sold out, readers can attend a panel exploring the role of setting in crime fiction, with authors Tom Hindle, Alex Michaelides and C B Everett.

Other highlights include a themed ball inspired by Christie’s short story The Affair at the Victory Ball, a talk on the supernatural in Christie’s writing by Tony Medawar, and an appearance by Icelandic author Ragnar Jónasson, who will take part in an interactive murder mystery evening.

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, said: "The Agatha Christie Festival is a shining example of how the English Riviera’s rich cultural heritage can be brought to life in imaginative and meaningful ways. As one of the world’s most beloved authors, Agatha Christie continues to draw visitors from across the globe to her birthplace here in Torbay.

“This year’s programme is our most ambitious yet, showcasing not only her extraordinary legacy but also the vibrant creative spirit of our region. We are proud to support this internationally significant event, which plays a vital role in boosting our visitor economy and promoting the English Riviera as a year-round cultural destination."

The festival also aims to support new talent with its annual short story competition for children and teenagers aged 8 to 18 across Devon and Torbay. A free Christie for Kids Day will be held at Paignton Library on 13 September, featuring talks from children’s authors Robin Stevens and Abie Longstaff, and a themed treasure hunt.

Matt Newbury, Programme Director of The Agatha Christie Festival, said: "Agatha Christie’s enduring appeal lies not just in her brilliant plots, but in the way her stories capture the imagination of people of all ages. We’ve worked hard to curate a programme that reflects that same spirit - one that’s rich in creativity, surprises, and celebration. 

“From literary debates and live podcast recordings to sea swims and garden parties, there’s truly something for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome fans - old and new - to the English Riviera this September for what promises to be an unforgettable nine days of mystery and magic."