Episode
Inside Harrogate Crime Festival with Sharon Canavar | Gossip, Authors and Festival Secrets
- Published
- Jun 5, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2022
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- https://shows.acast.com/quick-book-reviews/episodes/inside-harrogate-crime-festival-with-sharon-canavar-gossip-a
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Summary
In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa chats to Sharon Canavar , Chief Executive of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and Harrogate International Festivals. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at one of the world’s most beloved crime fiction festivals, this is the episode for you. Sharon shares: how the festival began back in 2003 why Harrogate feels different from other book festivals the famous beer tent atmosphere festival gossip and disasters over the years lone traveller meet-ups and making the event inclusive authors going missing the hotel nearly catching fire the fiercely competitive quiz night why readers are truly at the heart of Harrogate Philippa and Sharon also discuss: the rise of crime fiction festivals balancing blockbuster authors with exciting debuts the new Swift Half Stage why readers return year after year proof copies, goodie bags and “golden goodie bags” festival nerves, security and keeping events safe Plus: an unexpectedly passionate biscuit debate involving Kit Kats, digestives and secret chocolate habits. This Year’s Festival Highlights Featured authors and events mentioned include: Lisa Jewell Lee Child David Baldacci Anthony Horowitz Ann Cleeves Chris Whitaker Alice Feeney Steve Cavanagh Holly Jackson Brenda Blethyn Harlan Coben Val McDermid Mark Billingham Why Listeners Will Love This Episode If you love: crime fiction book festivals behind-the-scenes publishing stories author gossip reader communities literary events festival planning chaos funny podcast conversations …this episode is for you. Memorable Moments The “freshers’ welcome” for lone travellers Golden goodie bag brainstorming Authors accidentally trying to enter the wrong hotel room The legendary Harrogate beer tent The…