THERE is no mystery
about where the North's crime fiction fans will soon be heading – Newcastle
Noir is back.
The hugely popular
literary weekend is returning for its sixth year and the event is on the move.
Newcastle Noir 2019 will be held in city's
Central Library as organisers bid to widen the appeal of the annual crime
lovers' weekend.
Jacky Collins, Dr Noir,
who has spear-headed the event since its launch said: ”Newcastle Noir began in 2014 at the city's Lit and Phil and we will be
ever grateful for the invaluable support it gave us as the festival developed.
“We are now keen to take the next step and
increase the size and the appeal of the event.”
Another important change is for the first time
organisers are seeking sponsors to support the event.
One principal backer has
already stepped forward - newly-launched North-East digital book publisher,
Cheshire Cat Books.
Headed by former
Cleveland murder squad chief and author, ex Det Supt Tony Hutchinson, the
company is delighted to be associated with such a popular and important
literary happening.
Tony said: ”As a North-East based company we are proud
to be supporting the fantastic Newcastle Noir. It is not only a highly
significant literary event, it is great fun.”
Some of the country's
best-loved crime writers, many from the region, will be present alongside
authors from more than a dozen other countries.
The full programme of
speakers and guests will be announced soon but Northumbria University lecturer,
Jacky, promises there will be something for every kind of crime fiction
follower.
She said: “From the very beginning we have always
wanted Newcastle Noir to be a local, national and international crime fiction
event.”
“For 2019 we have an amazing range of authors from the region and beyond
to delight crime fiction lovers.”
David Hepworth of
Newcastle City Libraries said: ”It is an
honour for Newcastle Libraries to be in partnership with the prestigious
Newcastle Noir festival”.
“We're really looking forward to welcoming the best in contemporary crime
writing for discussions, talks and writing workshops.”
Other loyal supporters
of the event will also be present in the new venue. Forum Books from Corbridge,
Orenda Books and The Book Trail are long-standing friends of the event and will
once again be attending.
Newcastle Noir opens on
Friday May 3 running for three days at the Central Library, Newcastle.
NOTES:
Newcastle Noir is the
North East's only crime and mystery fiction festival. Past speakers have included
best-selling authors Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, LJ Ross, Stuart McBride and
Mari Hannah as well as writers from across the world.
Dr Jacky Collins is
Lecturer at Northumbria University in Literature, Film and TV, and Spanish Language and Culture.
The festival runs from
Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5 at Newcastle Central Library.
Contacts: Dr J. Collins:
0777 327 5345.
