Slow Horses creator Mick Herron has spoken of his “honour” as he was unveiled last night as the programming chair of the world’s most prestigious crime writing festival.

The internationally bestselling spy writer will take the helm for the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate next July. Supported by the Daily Express, it is the largest and most famous celebration of its kind in the world.

Herron, the bestselling author of the Slough House thrillers which are the basis of the award-winning TV series, Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, said: “The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is an annual highlight for crime writers the world over, a collegiate gathering where the callous and cosy genres meet, and their practitioners discover they have more in common than might have been expected.

“I attended my first Harrogate weekend ten years ago, and each one since has provided a wealth of happy memories. So, it’s an honour and a thrill to be invited to work alongside a brilliant, dedicated committee, with an eye to producing a festival that will continue to promote the wide-ranging talents of our community and offer new treats alongside familiar pleasures.”

Herron has been shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year six times and won the award in 2022 for Slough House. Previous Programming Chairs include Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Elly Griffiths, Denise Mina, Lee Child, Vaseem Khan and Ruth Ware.

Special Guests will be announced in February, with the full programme revealed in the spring 2025.

Simon Theakston, chairman of title sponsor T&R Theakston Ltd, said: “As a long-time admirer of Mick’s work, I’m delighted that such an internationally renowned writer – and former Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year winner – is taking on this important role. I’m intrigued to find out which crime and thriller writers will feature on Mick’s programme and look forward to another showstopping celebration next summer.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “Mick is so popular with crime fiction fans around the world, and we are truly honoured that he has agreed to be Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s 2025 Programme Chair. Mick and the programming committee have been hard at work curating a thrilling line-up that truly showcases the breadth and brilliance of crime and thriller writing.

“We can’t wait to reveal all and welcome everyone back to the Festival in July.”

For more information, visit https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/crime-writing-festival/