Agatha Christie Spring Gathering draws crowds for weekend of crime, culture and celebration

Fans of the Queen of Crime descended on Torquay at the weekend for a packed programme of talks, performances and interactive events as part of the Agatha Christie Festival Spring Gathering.

The boutique-style event, created last year alongside the unveiling of the Agatha Christie Bench, has now become an annual fixture following its sell-out success in 2025.

This year’s gathering brought together bestselling authors, podcasters and Christie enthusiasts for a day of murder, mystery and live entertainment across venues in the town.

The daytime programme was held at Torquay Museum, beginning with a talk from mystery writer Tom Mead, who explored the appeal of locked-room crime fiction. He was followed by in-conversation events with acclaimed authors Abir Mukherjee and Val McDermid, who discussed their work and the enduring popularity of the genre.

A live recording of the popular podcast The Swinging Christies, hosted by Dr Mark Aldridge and Gray Robert Brown, was another highlight, focusing on The Confessions of Agatha Christie.

Festival-goers were also given a preview of the upcoming Agatha Christie Mile app, set to launch later this year, presented by Festival Creative Director Matt Newbury.

The evening programme moved to the Livermead House Hotel, where guests enjoyed dinner, live music and further crime-themed entertainment. Author Kelly Mullen spoke about her novel A Murder in Eight Cocktails, before interactive writer Antony Johnston led an audience participation murder mystery experience.

On Sunday, the weekend concluded with a Golden Age costumed parade, as participants dressed in 1920s-inspired outfits and walked from the Agatha Christie Bench to Princess Pier. The parade was accompanied by live music and dance performances, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Creative Director Matt Newbury said the event had attracted visitors from across the UK and internationally, highlighting the global appeal of Christie’s legacy.

He said: “It was a wonderful weekend, with fans travelling from across the UK and beyond to share their passion for Agatha Christie. Amazingly, we welcomed visitors from Estonia, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland and even New York.

“It really highlights the enduring popularity and legacy of Agatha Christie, and the passion of fans worldwide who are keen to celebrate her life and work in the place of her birth.”

The Spring Gathering now forms part of a growing programme of events leading up to the main Agatha Christie Festival, which returns to Torquay from 12–20 September 2026.