Granite Noir returns this February

Granite Noir, Aberdeen’s premier crime writing festival, returns next month with a jam-packed lineup. This year, the festival is taking on a distinctly Gothic feel. It will feature appearances from bestselling authors like Val McDermid, Charlie Higson, and Louise Welsh.

Running from February 23-26, Granite Noir will be taking over venues across the city. These include the Aberdeen Arts Centre, St Nicholas Kirk, the Music Hall, and the Lemon Tree. The festival will kick off on Thursday the 23rd with a headline performance at the Lemon Tree from the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. This group of author-come-rock stars includes Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, Stuart Neville, Doug Johnstone, Luca Veste, and Chris Brookmyre. They’ll be rocking the night away with some dark and criminal tunes. So grab your friends and prepare to let your hair down to some murderously good music.

Queen of Scottish Crime herself, Val McDermid, is taking the stage at the Music Hall on Friday the 24th and it’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss! She’ll be discussing her triumphant 1989, which was named on the First Minister’s best books of 2022 list.

Charlie Higsons uniquely brilliant voice

But that’s not all, Fast Show star and bestselling author Charlie Higson is also making an appearance to introduce his new novel, Whatever Gets You Through the Night, with his uniquely brilliant voice. Plus, Louise Welsh and Alan Riach are diving into the rich world of Tartan Noir and exploring the history of the genre from Stevenson and Hogg to McIlvanney and Tey, all the way to today’s successful writers.

And speaking of today’s successful writers, Chris Brookmyre, Denzil Meyrick, and Doug Johnstone will be there to introduce their new books and share their secrets, short stories, and more in their inimitable styles.

But Granite Noir isn’t just about the big-name author appearances. Throughout the festival, there will be a wide range of events, including gripping author talks, captivating exhibitions, and fascinating workshops. And for those who can’t make it to Aberdeen, selected events will be streamed live online. So you can join in the fun from anywhere in the world.

Granite Noir 2023: thrills and surprises along the way

Granite Noir is produced by Aberdeen Performing Arts on behalf of partners Aberdeen City Libraries and Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives. Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Ben Torrie, 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.”

Now in its seventh year, Granite Noir has established itself as a must-attend event for anyone who loves crime fiction. With its focus on Aberdeen’s rich history, atmosphere, and sense of place, the festival offers a unique opportunity to get a taste of what makes the city so special. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet your favorite authors, discover new writers, and be enthralled by all things criminal. Get your tickets now for the festival that promises to be dark, mysterious and unmissable!