THEAKSTON AWARD EVENING IN HARROGATE

 THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL.

Well we are here again in Harrogate on the first evening where the short list of six produces a winner. For me we are all winners as we are fortunate enough to be here once again and for those that write and be published they are all winners too. On this evening the event was making up for lost time. 

Mark Lawson introduced the evening in his usual smooth style that was littered with incredibly humorous comments about the ability of some of our well known politicians. It was so well done and delivered and received in good spirit. Simon Theakston followed on with his own well rehearsed humour and the audience loved it.

Before we got anywhere close to the winner for 2021 there were two other awards and these were:

Outstanding Contribution Award was made to Mark Billingham only a year late and his success was articulated by Chris Brookmyre who praised him highly. What a writing history they both have!

Then Billingham took to the stage again to introduce Ian Rankin who received The Outstanding Contribution Award for 2021. Here we applauded two superb writers who not only can write but deliver verbally as well. It was a treat to sit and listen.

The winner and for his first appearance in the final six was Chris Whittaker with ‘We Begin At The End’. He had already won a ‘Dagger’ and now this award must top it off. As I have said before “every one is a winner” but to receive this prestigious award is a fantastic accolade and with a substantial cheque too.  Theakston is considered the world’s best festival in the crime writing genre.

I cannot praise this event enough. It is the tops. We rubbed shoulders with the authors who will sign when requested. Chris Whittaker wrote on signing ‘Thank you for your support’ because they know that without readers they will have less. They are not pretentious. 

Brian McGilloway for his book ‘The Last Crossing’ was unable to be present because of a Covid infection was given “highly commended”. The first time such an award has been given and having read it I agree.

It was a great evening well presented and very well organised with all the conditions and restrictions taken into account. And now tomorrow a full day.