Literary Leicester marks 50 years since Agatha Christie’s death with day of crime writing events
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Crime fiction takes centre stage at this year’s Literary Leicester festival as a tribute to Agatha Christie, marking 50 years since the death of the “Queen of Crime”.
On Wednesday 18 March, the University of Leicester will host a series of events celebrating crime fiction and exploring the life and legacy of Agatha Christie.
The day will begin with The Life and Times of Agatha Christie (12:30–1:30pm, Attenborough Arts Centre), reflecting on the extraordinary life and cultural impact of the world-famous author.
Later sessions will examine the craft and future of crime writing. How to Be a Liar (2–3pm) will delve into the role of deception and misdirection in crime fiction, while Crimes of Tomorrow (3:30–4:30pm) will explore how the genre continues to evolve in response to new technologies, investigative techniques and changing social anxieties.
The evening programme features two of the most prominent voices in contemporary crime fiction.
Best-selling author Sophie Hannah, chosen by the Agatha Christie estate to continue the adventures of Hercule Poirot, will discuss her experience writing new Poirot novels in Sophie Hannah: Poirot and Me (6:30–7:30pm, Sir Bob Burgess Building).
She will be followed by novelist and screenwriter Louise Doughty, author of the critically acclaimed thriller Apple Tree Yard, who will reflect on her career and the craft of suspense in Louise Doughty: A Life in Writing (8–9pm).
Festival co-director Dr Harry Whitehead said: “This is going to be a truly unique opening day of the festival. And our two headliners are among the country’s favourite authors. Sophie Hannah’s books are bestsellers in over fifty countries and novels by Louise Doughty – born in Melton Mowbray! – are loved by millions. The whole day is going to be entertaining, enlightening and fascinating as we dive into the craft of writing suspense and crime to celebrate the amazing legacy of Agatha Christie.”
Literary Leicester runs from 18–21 March 2026, with all events free to attend.
The full programme of this year’s Literary Leicester festival can be found below. More information about Literary Leicester can be found here.
Wednesday 18 March 2026
The Life and Times of Agatha Christie – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 12:30pm – 1:30pm
How to Be a Liar – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 2pm – 3pm
Crimes of Tomorrow – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Sophie Hannah: Poirot and Me – Sir Bob Burgess Building, LE2 6BF – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Louise Doughty: A Life in Writing – Sir Bob Burgess Building, LE2 6BF – 8pm – 9pm
Thursday 19 March 2026
Creative Writing Student Showcase – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 12pm – 1:15pm
Despite It All: A Handbook for Climate Hopefuls with Fred Pearce – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 2pm – 3pm
New Voices, Future Worlds – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Judging Major Book Prizes – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 5pm – 6pm
Jonathon Coe is Innocent – Sir Bob Burgess Building, LE2 6BF – 7pm – 8pm
Friday 20 March 2026
The Art of the Page: A Visual Poetry Workshop with Karenjit Sandhu – Leicester Central Library, LE1 6AA – 12:30pm – 1:30pm
First Story Young Writers’ Showcase – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Write Leicester – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 3pm – 4pm
LIAS Presents: Ten People that Changed the World – Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA – 4:30pm – 5:45pm
Some-Antics featuring Ishtiaq Hussain – Phoenix Cinema & Art Centre, LE1 1TG – 7pm – 10:30pm
Saturday 21 March 2026
Maths With a Story: A Letterbox Club Kids' Event – Beaumont Hall Botanical Gardens, LE2 2LD – 10:30am – 12pm
Literary Leicester by Bike! – Town Hall Bike Park, LE1 5BP – 10am – 12.30pm
Thursday 30 April 2026
Dame Jacqueline Wilson – The Annual Creative (Reading and) Writing Lecture 2026 – Sir Bob Burgess Building, LE2 6BF – 5:30pm – 6:45pm
Multiple Dates
Classics from my Childhood – Special Collections Reading Room, David Wilson Library, LE1 7HR – various dates and times