The 2026 Agatha Christie Festival line-up has been unveiled, featuring unique events at hidden locations linked to the Queen of Crime, before culminating in a four-day Literary Festival packed with panel discussions, immersive experiences and appearances from leading crime writers and Agatha Christie experts.
Founded in 1990, to mark the centenary of Christie’s birth, The Agatha Christie Festival is an annual celebration of her life and work, held near her birthday on 15 September on the English Riviera.
2026 is set to be a landmark year for the festival, with major anniversaries being celebrated in her hometown of Torquay. From the 100th anniversary of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and the 50th anniversary of the final Miss Marple novel, Sleeping Murder, to the 50th anniversary of Christie’s death in 1976, these significant milestones will be commemorated as thousands of local and international visitors gather to remember their favourite author.
The nine-day celebration begins with a four-day Fringe Festival where highlights include a day aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway, a route taken by Poirot in the ABC Murders and Dead Man’s Folly, followed by a riverboat cruise on the River Dart.
Local attraction Kents Cavern, a prehistoric cave system that inspired Hampsley Cavern in Christie’s The Man in the Brown Suit, will host underground Cave Cinema screenings and guided Agatha Underground tours.
Fans can also enjoy a VIP experience with an exclusive after-hours event, hosted at Christie’s former holiday home, Greenway House or visitors can dance the night away at Ugbrooke House, where young Agatha Miller famously met her future husband, Archie Christie.
In addition, festival organisers are collaborating with the British Red Cross to host a special gathering at the Assembly Rooms at Torquay Town Hall. Entitled ‘What Agatha Did in the Great War’, the event includes talks and specially commissioned films honouring Christie’s voluntary work as a nurse in the Voluntary Aid Detachment and pharmacy department, followed by a tea dance to the sounds of the South Devon Big Band.
After the Fringe Festival ends, the Literary Festival commences on 16 September at Torre Abbey and includes a specialised Roger Ackroyd Day on 17 September, to mark the novel’s fictional murder. Leading experts and writers, including Dr John Curran, Ian Bishop, Martin Edwards and Death in Paradise’s Robert Thorogood and Ben Miller will be in attendance to applaud one of Christie’s greatest works.
The literary programme will also feature appearances from Lucy Foley, the author behind the newly commissioned Miss Marple sequel Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Agatha Cure, and Tina Hodgkinson, author of Agatha Christie’s London: A Historical Guide to the Queen of Crime’s Capital, will also be in attendance to discuss the late writer.
Visitors will also be able to explore design elements of Christie’s work with fashion historian Amber Butchart and hear from fellow Christie fans as The Swinging Christie’s records a live podcast episode.
Matt Newbury, Creative Director of The Agatha Christie Festival, said: “We have worked hard to create one of the biggest and most enjoyable Festivals yet, celebrating the world’s most successful author in her hometown of Torquay. We love welcoming fans old and new to the English Riviera and are proud to host one of the friendliest festivals in the world.
“While a record number of tickets have already been sold, there are still tickets available for many events, so do join us if you can. It would be a crime to miss it.”
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, commented: “This year’s Agatha Christie Festival is shaping up to be one of our biggest celebrations yet for the beloved author.
“With the anniversary of Christie’s death being a significant element to this year’s programme, the festival will continue to draw visitors to her birthplace, which plays an integral role in attracting visitors to the English Riviera and we look forward to welcoming them”.
In 2025, the Agatha Christie Festival welcomed 8,000 ticket holders from more than 30 countries, with visitors travelling from as far as South America, Australia and New Zealand. With a packed programme, 2026 is set to be another unmissable year for Christie enthusiasts and literary lovers alike.
For more information about the range of events and activities to enjoy at this year’s festival, visit https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on/the-agatha-christie-festival-p1257113
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