Granite Noir set for crime thrilling return to Aberdeen

A popular crime writing festival is to return to Aberdeen with a thrilling line-up of different genres.

Granite Noir will take place on February 23rd to February 26th with a packed programme highlighting Aberdeen's history, suspenseful crime, gothic horror and music to chill the ears. 

Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, Charlie Higson and Louise Welsh will be in attendance offering the audience different experiences from workshops to exhibitions. 

It's produced by Aberdeen Performing Arts on behalf of Aberdeen city libraries and the city and shire's archives. 

Director of programming and creative projects 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. 

"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.”

A headline performance and McDermid and Billingham kick starts the festival at the Lemon Tree on the Thursday. 

The comedy hit CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation will also bring a different murder mystery staged at the Music Hall. 

There are events for the younger fans too including workshops with Jonathan Meres and Sarah Todd Taylor. 

The event is funded through the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. 

We spoke to Councillor Martin Greig: 

For more information and to find out ticket information visit granitenoir.com.