Amateur sleuths are thumbing their notebooks and murderers priming their weapons as
the English Riviera in Devon prepares for its annual "Appointment with Death". The
2010 Agatha Christie Festival, held in the resorts of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham,
promises to go off with a suitable bang (followed by a thud...) as organisers invite
you to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Queen of Crime. The body count is set
to be at a record high, with more than 50 events taking place from 12th-19th
September.
This Dead Man's Folly of a festival unfolds with anecdotal guided walks, talks,
productions from the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, a period tea dance, garden
party, flower festivals, vintage bus tours, boat cruises, a cocktail evening and
murder mystery events in some truly unusual locations. And in a festival first,
Burgh Island (further along the South Devon coast and inspiration behind the classic
mystery And Then There Were None) is hosting an exclusive lunch and tour of the
island.
The festivities commence with the popular Agatha Christie Fête on Sunday 12th June,
where special guest Mathew Prichard, the author's grandson, will officially launch
proceedings at 1.00pm. He'll be joined by a certain detective- just in case there
should be a murder or two to solve. Period dress worn by those who come along is
encouraged!
On the night of Christie's 120th anniversary, Wednesday 15th September, a
spectacular birthday fireworks extravaganza will take place from Corbyn Head on
Torquay's seafront, supported by Agatha Christie Limited, Sonic Fireworks and Hooper
and Wollen solicitors. And as a unique finale to the festival, all-comers are
invited to follow in the 'wake' of Agatha Christie by taking part in a special
charity sea swim. Christie was a keen swimmer, and this one mile course takes people
from Goodrington Beach in Paignton to one of her favourite bathing spots at
Broadsands, where swimmers and spectators will be able to enjoy a charity barbecue
and live music.
As well as the planned events, a very special treasure hunt in honour of the 120th
anniversary will run throughout the week. 120 'red herrings' will be hidden across
the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, with a series of clues leading to
their whereabouts. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs; more information on
this, and the full line-up of events, is available in the official festival
programme - online at www.englishriviera.co.uk or to order free from 0844 474 2233.
We hope to see you at the celebrations - it would be a crime to miss them...
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