Mackintosh, Ware and more confirmed for inaugural Chiltern Kills crime writing festival

Authors Frederick Forsyth, Mark Billingham, Claire Mackintosh and Ruth Ware are among a raft of crime authors confirmed as part of the programme for the first ever Chiltern Kills crime writing festival in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

Taking place on Saturday 7th October, all proceeds will be going to youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. The one-day event, described by the organisers as a “14-hour rollercoaster of crime”, will see more than 70 authors attending the event at the historic Grade II-listed Colston Hall.

The schedule will run from 9 a.m. until 11.30 p.m. and includes book signings and interviews with authors, 20 panels across two stages, live podcasts, BBC One and Two TV shows on site, and the world premiere of a specially-written play performed by crime writers.

The two stages – named Poirot and Marple – will feature “lively panel discussions on everything from espionage to the art of the anti-hero in crime fiction”. There will be an on-site bookshop and a “WhoDunHim Inn” beer tent with crime-costumed staff, specially-branded Chiltern Kills beer and authors serving behind the bar, “to give fans the unique opportunity to mingle with their favourite writers". There will also be a “Murder a Song” karaoke session to close the festival, hosted by author Mark Edwards.

Paul Waters, festival organiser, broadcaster and author of Blackwatertown (Unbound), said: “This has never been done before. Chiltern Kills will have 70 bestselling authors, the global icon that is Frederick Forsyth, a specially written crime play by Gytha Lodge, TV shows and podcasts, all in one place on one day, all getting together to help the Centrepoint charity end homelessness among young people. It would be criminal to miss it.”

Co-organiser Tony Kent, criminal barrister, former champion boxer and now author of the Killer Intent thriller series (Elliot & Thompson) said: “I’ve been in the boxing ring with hard men and in the courtroom with killers and never been fazed, but I have to admit that the line-up of top crime and thriller authors with whom I’ll be sharing a stage at Chiltern Kills is pretty intimidating.”

Denise Beddows, festival organiser and author of true crime and crime thrillers, most recently Shearwater Point (self published), said: “Having worked for the British government in some dangerous places in my other life, I’m glad to see spy thrillers and espionage well represented at Chiltern Kills.” A full-day roaming pass costs £40, and can be purchased here.