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 organised in June 2008, CRIMEFEST is quickly becoming one of the most popular dates in 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.

Like Left Coast Crime, CRIMEFEST follows the format of US conventions where—with exception of the highlighted authors—all delegates pay the same registration fee to enjoy a convention that includes interviews, panels, a Gala Dinner, and one or two surprises. For an idea of what to expect see the 2008 and/or 2009 CRIMEFEST Programmes.

CRIMEFEST DINNERS
One of the highlights of the convention is Saturday evening's Gala Dinner. It includes after-dinner speeches by Featured Guest Authors, as well as the announcements of the winners of the Last Laugh and Audible Sounds of Crime Awards. In charge of ceremonies is the Toastmaster or mistress.

There is a Buffet Dinner on Sunday for those delegates who are staying on an extra night.

A limited number of tickets are available to the dinners, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Go to the REGISTRATION page to register now!

CRIMEFEST AWARDS
The winners of the following awards will be announced at CRIMEFEST:

-Last Laugh Award
for best humorous crime novel

-Sounds of Crime Award
for best abridged and unabridged crime audiobook

The awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner. Visit the AWARDS page for more details.

WHY NOT MAKE CRIMEFEST A HOLIDAY?
There will be a number of trips leading up to the convention, some of which may include lunches with crime novelists who write about the locations you will visit. So, whether you are travelling from near or from far, why not make CRIMEFEST a holiday? Bristol has an international airport serviced by, among others, Continental Airlines and easyJet, and the city is easily accessible by train, bus and car. Visit the TRIPS/WHAT TO DO for more information.

CRIME WRITING WORKSHOP/PITCH AN AGENT
CRIMEFEST organises 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.

Are you an aspiring author looking for an agent? Representatives from leading literary agencies will be at CRIMEFEST and aspiring crime writers will have 10 minutes to pitch their manuscripts to these top agents. Consider it speed dating for an agent!

Visit the WORKSHOPS/PITCH AN AGENT page for more details.