Granite Noir, Aberdeen’s crime writing festival, returns next month with a packed programme highlighting Aberdeen’s history, atmosphere and a strong sense of place and celebrating the very best crime writing. With a particular focus on the Gothic this year, Granite Noir welcomes writers including Val McDermid, Charlie Higson, and Louise Welsh, science communicator Kathryn Harkup and KC Wendy Joseph and offers audiences gripping author talks, great music, captivating exhibitions and fascinating workshops.
The award-winning festival, now in its seventh year, darkens the doors of venues across the city including Aberdeen Arts Centre, St Nicholas Kirk, the Music Hall and Lemon Tree over four days from February 23-26.
Granite Noir is produced by Aberdeen Performing Arts on behalf of partners Aberdeen City Libraries and Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives. Ben Torrie, Director of Programming & Creative Projects at Aberdeen Performing Arts, said “Granite Noir 2023 will be full of the drama, mystery, music and, of course, cocktails that audiences have come to expect from the festival, as well as plenty thrills and surprises along the way. We have some of the most exciting names in crime fiction, with broad themes of the gothic, horror and of course Noir throughout an exciting weekend of author talks, exhibitions and music from the crime fiction super group the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. We’ll be starting as we mean to go on, with a healthy dose of dark humour, entertainment and all things Noir, designed to excite and inspire crime fiction writers and fans alike.”
Selected events across the four days of the Festival will be livestreamed and available to view online, allowing those who have connected with Granite Noir from across the globe tune in and enjoy as the action unfolds in Aberdeen.
Granite Noir 2023 is supported by Aberdeen City Council and Funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: “Crime fiction is enjoyed by many so it is a great pleasure to welcome Granite Noir back to the city for its seventh year. It is good to be able to host this festival which brings writers and enthusiasts together from near and far. The programme this year is exciting and diverse with well-known names and emerging talent due to attend. I am glad Aberdeen City Council can continue to support Granite Noir where so many people will gather and enjoy this intriguing and creative form of literature.” Dr Alice Tarbuck, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Aberdeen’s stand out crime writing festival is set to draw fans and first timers into its captivating web this February. Whether you’re deep diving into the full four days or spending a few short hours, you can experience a huge range of writing talent and events that really celebrate the crime writing genre in all its forms. At Granite Noir, there really is something for everyone.”
Details of all events in the 2023 Granite Noir Programme can be found at granitenoir.com. Tickets for all Granite Noir events are on sale to Aberdeen Performing Arts Friends on Wednesday, 11 January at 10am and on general sale on Thursday 12 January at 10am. Tickets can be booked at granitenoir.com, by calling 01224 641122 and in person from the Box Office at the Music Hall and His Majesty’s Theatre.