Crime Pays On The English Riviera
Crime fiction fans from across the globe have been snapping up tickets for this year’s 120th Anniversary Agatha Christie festival in September. Indeed several events have almost sold out, due to an unprecedented demand for tickets for the annual celebration, which takes place from 12th – 19th September.
Eager fans from America, Australia, Sweden, Austria and even Bermuda have purchased tickets to the week-along event, which coincides with what would have been the “Queen of Crime’s” 120th birthday. Both the lunch at Burgh Island and Mathew Prichard and John Curran in Conversation at the new Paignton Library and Information Centre, have already sold out.
There are only a handful of tickets left for the Murder Mystery Dining Trains aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway, the Tea Dance at Oldway Mansion, the guided walks along the Agatha Christie Mile with Joan Nott and the Murder Mystery Evening at Churston Court.
Other popular events include the Port Salut Cocktail Masterclass, Murder in the Abbey at Torre Abbey and the Twilight Tour of Greenway House. Hundreds of people have also signed up for the mile long Agatha Christie Swim between Goodrington and Broadsands, raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance Appeal.
Tickets have also been flying out for the Agatha Christie Birthday Celebration at the Grand Hotel on Wednesday 15th September. Taking place in the Compass Lounge and Terrace Bar, guests will be able to enjoy a glass of champagne, a celebratory buffet, (including a delicious free-range pork spit roast) and something a little bit special from the hotel’s bakers. And of course the best view of the birthday fireworks.
Fans are also going to be able to enjoy two classic whodunits on stage, with the Agatha Christie Theatre Company presenting Witness for the Prosecution at the Princess Theatre and TOADS performing the comedy thriller Spider’s Web at the Little Theatre.
A spokesperson for the English Riviera Tourist Board said:
We have already had a record amount of press coverage for the festival this year, with articles in very high profile publications like Beautiful Britain, Daily Stay, My Weekly, The Mirror, Jewish Chronicle, New Zealand Herald and a selection of features in German, Austrian, Swiss and Spanish publications on the back of hosted press trips.
We are also organising another press visit for several high-profile publications during this year’s festival. It’s the perfect time to showcase Agatha Christie’s Riviera and not only promote the 2011 festival but the resort as a fantastic place for fans of world’s best selling author to come and explore throughout the year.
For the full run down of events, either pick up a copy of the Agatha Christie Festival programme from the Tourist Information Centres, or view it online at www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie
