A new crime writing festival is coming to Ledbury.

Ledburied will see events featuring top crime authors taking place throughout the year, starting in just a couple of weeks’ time.

At the inaugural event, award-winning Ledbury-based author Sarah Hilary will be talking with Fiona Cummins (When I Was Ten, Into The Dark) and CM Ewan (The Interview, A Window Breaks) about the enduring lure of dark thrillers.

Sarah is also one of the brains behind the festival, working alongside Ledbury Books and Maps, and Ledbury Places to bring the idea to life.

Sarah, who moved to Ledbury 18 months ago, said: “Crime fiction, in all its many forms, is more popular than ever.

“Ledburied will attempt to uncover some of the reasons why, while providing insights and entertainment of the highest order. 

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“We hope it will become an unmissable highlight in everyone’s calendar.

“Since moving here, I've discovered the Ledbury Poetry Festival, which is a huge hit with locals and visitors alike. And I've long been a fan of the Hay Festival, just over the border.

An evening with Mick Herron, author of Slow Horses spy series

“Plotting a crime festival with Ledbury Books and Maps, and Ledbury Places, feels like a natural next step and is proving to be great fun.”

In the autumn, crime fiction fans will be treated to an evening with Mick Herron, author of the Slow Horses spy series, recently adapted for a television series starring Gary Oldman.

He’ll be in conversation with Andrew Taylor, an award-winning crime writer based in the Forest of Dean.

For Halloween, we can look forward to a Gothic-themed talk with Anna Mazzola (The Clockwork Girl) and local author Lucie McKnight Hardy.

The inaugural event will take place on Thursday 16 June at 7.30pm at The Old Grammar School in Church Lane.

This first event is free to attend but anyone interested in coming is asking to register their interest at Ledbury Books and Maps by phone on 01531 633226 or via email to lindsay@ledburybooksandmaps.co.uk