After sixteen successful years, Bristol’s iconic crime fiction convention, CrimeFest, will come to an end in 2025, as reported on The Bookseller. The bittersweet announcement was made by co-founder, co-host, and director Adrian Muller, marking the close of an era for crime fiction fans, authors, and publishers alike.
CrimeFest began in June 2008 as a fan-driven festival celebrating crime fiction. Founded by Myles Allfrey, Liz Hatherell, Adrian Muller, and Donna Moore, the event quickly gained recognition for its inclusive approach. Unlike most crime fiction conventions that handpick guests and curate panels, CrimeFest stood out by allowing any commercially published author to sign up and participate in a panel discussion.
Spanning four days each May, the convention offered a vibrant platform for crime fiction enthusiasts and authors to connect. On average, the event featured over 50 panels, giving approximately 150 authors the opportunity to showcase their work annually. Over the years, more than 1,100 authors have graced the CrimeFest stage, including some of the most celebrated names in the genre, such as Ann Cleeves, Anthony Horowitz, Ian Rankin, Jeffery Deaver, Lee Child, Lynda La Plante, Michael Connelly, P.D. James, Sue Grafton, and Martina Cole.
Reflecting on the convention’s legacy, Muller highlighted its impact:
“CrimeFest provides many authors with a platform they would not have been offered elsewhere in the UK. And, subsequently, readers discover and meet writers they otherwise may never have heard of. During CrimeFest, all delegates—be they authors or readers—come together as equals to celebrate the genre they love.”
Donna Moore, the other remaining organizer, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“CrimeFest is a labour of love for us and our volunteers. We are immensely grateful to the authors, readers, publishers, booksellers, sponsors, volunteers, and a whole host of other people who have supported us over the years.”
The 16th and final CrimeFest will take place from May 15 to 18, 2025, at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel in Bristol, England. Fans of the genre are encouraged to attend and be part of this momentous farewell. For further details, visit CrimeFest.com.