CrimeFest 2010

Oh to be in England... Miles and Adrian have planned another fabulous CrimeFest this May.  CrimeFest is a terrific mystery convention with great programming and some wonderful side trips into the countryside.

May 20-23, 2010, Bristol, UK: Guest Authors: Tonino Benacquista and Colin Dexter; Toastmaster: Gyles Brandreth

Other highlighted authors include M.C. Beaton. For the full list of attending authors go to PARTICIPANTS. Update: Sadly, Ariana Franklin will not be there as previously announced. She has agreed to appear next year, health willing. Laura Wilson has agreed to appear in conversation with Rennie Airth.

CRIMEFEST is a convention for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. Following the hugely successful one-off visit to Bristol in 2006 of the American convention Left Coast Crime, the hosts were encouraged to continue with a similar annual event and created CRIMEFEST.
 
First organized in June 2008, CRIMEFEST has become one of the most popular dates on the crime fiction calendar. The annual convention draws top crime novelists, readers, editors, publishers and reviewers from around the world and gives delegates the opportunity to celebrate the genre in an informal atmosphere.

2010 Highlights include:
Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22nd of May
Interviews with the featured Guest Authors and Toastmaster
Audible Sounds of Crime Awards
Last Laugh Award

In addition, there will be author panels, crime writing workshops, etc. There will be lots of TRIPS AND THINGS TO DO.

CRIME WRITING WORKSHOP/PITCH AN AGENT
CRIMEFEST organizes a crime writing workshop for aspiring writers. The workshop includes a one-on-one assessment of submitted work, panels on various aspects of writing, and an intensive afternoon class. As part of the registration fee students are able to enter the Crime Writers' Association's prestigious Debut Dagger Writing Competition.

CrimeFest Hotel: CONVENTION HOTEL
The convention will be held at the four-star Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. The convention rates (20 -23 May) are £100 per night, with a £20 discount for single room occupancy. The rates include the hotel buffet breakfast! The CRIMEFEST rates are guaranteed until 23rd of April 2010. From 23rd of April onwards the rates are at the discretion of the convention hotel. The room rates apply ONLY when reservations are made directly with the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel with the CRIMEFEST group code OR by booking online. Delegates will receive the CRIMEFEST group code on receipt of registration payment.

The Programme has been published, and it's very exciting! Of interest to readers of Mystery Fanfare is the  panel: Personality Crisis: Multiple Series & Collaborating Authors moderated by Charles Todd with Judith Cutler, Lyndon Stacey and Michael Stanley.

If you plan to go, consider Guest Blogging while there. Let me know.