The headliners for the sixth Noirwich Crime Writing Festival have just been announced. Organised by the National Centre for Writing and the University of East Anglia, Noirwich will this year welcome; BBC reporter George Alagiah, Yrsa Sigurrðardottir – ‘Iceland’s crime queen’, James Runcie, creator of the much-loved Grantchester Mysteries, Louise Doughty, author of the smash-hit Apple Tree Yard, and many more across 20 events and four city venues. Kicking off on Thursday 12th September, Noirwich promises four days of the very best in the nation’s favourite literary genre. The festival attracts visitors from all over the country for its mix of writing workshops, exhibitions and innovative programming. The popular Bloody Brunch is back with sponsors Big Tom tomato juice and Norwich-based Ghost Vodka mixing up the perfect Bloody Mary. And a first for the festival is a look at how climate-change is inspiring a new generation of crime writers. There will also be a photography exhibition at The Birdcage featuring the work of American artist David Drake, who has produced a series of stunning images reflecting the noir in Norwich. Peggy Hughes, Festival Co-Director and Programme Director of the National Centre for Writing, said: “Crime fiction is phenomenally popular and Noirwich is a wonderful celebration that brings people from far and wide to our UNESCO City of Literature for a four-day spectacular of the most exciting and diverse crime writing that the world has to offer.” Henry Sutton, Professor of Creative Writing and Crime Fiction at the UEA, said: “Noirwich is at the cutting edge of the most exciting, dynamic and popular literary and filmic genre in the world. But it’s so much more as well; it’s a place for great, timely and entertaining discussions in the friendliest of environments. Meet the people who shape imaginations and who can make you laugh, and cry. Crime writers know how to move you, while moving with the times.” Festival events take place at Dragon Hall, home to the National Centre for Writing, the Jarrold Department Store, the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia and The Birdcage. Cafes and bars across the city will join in the celebrations with food and drink crime twist specials. There will be writing workshops where you can try your hand at writing the next bestselling thriller. The Ivy Norwich Brasserie is sponsoring a very special VIP reception on the roof garden of the Enterprise Centre, UEA. The 6th Noirwich Crime Writing Festival will take place from 12 – 15th September 2019. For the full line-up and ticket information, including season tickets see: www.noirwich.co.uk and follow @NOIRwichFest Listen to a new interview with festival co-director Professor Henry Sutton on the National Centre for Writing podcast: https://noirwich.co.uk/podcast-henry-sutton-introduces-noirwich-2019/
