The 2026 International Agatha Christie Festival is preparing for its biggest celebration yet, with organizers unveiling a nine-day program of literary events, heritage experiences and exclusive behind-the-scenes access across the English Riviera.
Held annually around Agatha Christie’s birthday on September 15, the festival has celebrated the world’s best-selling crime writer since 1990.
The 2026 edition carries added significance as it marks several major milestones, including the 100th anniversary of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, the 50th anniversary of Christie’s final Miss Marple novel, Sleeping Murder, and 50 years since the legendary author passed away in 1976.
The festival begins with a four-day Fringe Festival featuring immersive experiences inspired by Christie’s life and novels. Highlights include a journey aboard the historic Dartmouth Steam Railway, famously featured in both The ABC Murders and Dead Man’s Folly, followed by a scenic cruise along the River Dart.
Visitors can also venture underground at Kents Cavern, the prehistoric cave system believed to have inspired Hampsley Cavern in The Man in the Brown Suit. The attraction will host special Cave Cinema screenings and guided Agatha-themed underground tours throughout the festival.
For dedicated Christie fans, exclusive after-hours access will be available at Greenway House, Christie’s beloved holiday home overlooking the River Dart. Another special evening event takes place at Ugbrooke House, where the young Agatha Miller first met her future husband, Archie Christie.
The festival is also partnering with the British Red Cross to present “What Agatha Did in the Great War” at Torquay Town Hall’s Assembly Rooms. The event will explore Christie’s wartime service as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse and pharmacy assistant through expert talks and specially commissioned films before concluding with a traditional tea dance accompanied by the South Devon Big Band.
The Literary Festival opens on September 16 at Torre Abbey and features four days of discussions, interviews and presentations from leading crime writers, historians and Christie scholars. A dedicated Roger Ackroyd Day on September 17 will commemorate the fictional murder at the heart of Christie’s groundbreaking novel.
The literary lineup also includes Lucy Foley, author of the newly commissioned Miss Marple sequel Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. Joining her are Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Agatha Cure, and Tina Hodgkinson, whose book Agatha Christie’s London explores the author’s connection to the British capital.
Festival-goers can also discover the fashion that influenced Christie’s stories with fashion historian Amber Butchart and attend a live recording of The Swinging Christie’s podcast.
Matt Newbury, Creative Director of The Agatha Christie Festival, said organizers have assembled one of the festival’s strongest programs to date.
“We have worked hard to create one of the biggest and most enjoyable festivals yet, celebrating the world’s most successful author in her hometown of Torquay,” he said. “While a record number of tickets have already been sold, there are still tickets available for many events. It would be a crime to miss it.“
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, said the anniversary year is expected to attract even more visitors to Christie’s birthplace.
“The festival continues to play an important role in attracting visitors to the English Riviera, and we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world,” she said.
The 2025 festival attracted around 8,000 ticket holders from more than 30 countries, with visitors traveling from South America, Australia and New Zealand. Organizers expect the expanded 2026 program to draw even larger international audiences.
