CRIME MONTHLY TALKS TO… FESTIVAL CHAIR RUTH WARE

HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF CHAIRING THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL?

It was a dream come true! When I got the call from last year’s chair, Vaseem Khan, I had to pinch myself. I got to put together a wish list of everything I wanted to celebrate about the crime genre and watch other people try to make it happen. I’m so happy with how the festival has come together.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO?

We've got a star-studded list of headliners, from Richard Osman to Shari Lapena and so many more. But I’m equally excited about the panels, where we’ll be discussing everything from the role of neurodiversity in crime fiction, to whether we’re all doomed by CHATGTP. In the festival brochure, I promised “cold pints and hot takes” and I think that sums it up.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT FESTIVALS IN YEARS GONE PAST?

One of last year’s highlights was Val Mcdermid being interviewed by Mark Billingham about her life and career. But a lot of my favourite memories are readers and writers hanging out in the beer tent, having a laugh. Crime writers are very funny people! I think as personal highlights go, it would be hard to beat being a special guest with Lisa Jewell. That was a bucket-list moment.

WHAT DOES THE HARROGATE FESTIVAL MEAN TO YOU AND TO CRIME WRITING IN GENERAL?

It’s a fixture of my year – and I think it’s a testament to how fun it is that so many writers go as audience members, even if they’re not speaking. It’s a festival that celebrates the reader in every way – and aren’t we all readers at heart?

The festival takes place 18-21 July at the Old Swan Hotel. Visit Harrogateinternationalfestivals.com for tickets