Popular north-east crime writing festival launches virtual event

A popular north-east crime writing festival is back for its fifth year but this time it has gone online.

Granite Noir, Aberdeen's international festival, returns this weekend with a mix of live and pre-recorded author conversations, workshops and events. 

It runs from tonight until Sunday with the likes of Val McDermid, Peter May, David Baldacci, Aberdeen's Stuart MacBride, Iain Rankin and Isla Tranquair. 

All events are available to watch free of charge with the streams or videos being available on demand afterwards. 

Chief executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts Jane Spiers said: “With a wonderful line‐up of the very best crime writers from right here in Scotland and across the world, we’re looking forward to welcoming both authors and audiences to explore the heart of darkness that is Granite Noir – from the comfort of their own homes.

"While 2020 has been a year of challenges, we hope that Granite Noir can offer a little bit of easily accessible distraction, fascination and inspiration for lovers of crime fiction wherever they are in the world.”

The events will be online with some having audience participation for the authors, show writers and podcast hosts. 

Granite Noir is produced by Aberdeen Performing Arts on behalf of partners, Aberdeen Library Service, Aberdeen City and Shire Archives and the Belmont Filmhouse.  

This year the festival is also supported by Aberdeen City Council, Creative Scotland and EventScotland.

Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokeswoman, said, “It’s been a tumultuous year since we hosted the biggest and best event yet of our world‐renowned crime‐writing festival and here we are once again, ready to welcome authors and afficionados from across the globe to Granite Noir 2021 in its new and temporary online format.  

"It’s great to see the line‐up include the fantastic Jo Nesbo make his first appearance at Granite Noir along with other superstars of the genre such as Val McDermid whom we are delighted to welcome back.

"There’s also Aberdeen City Council’s very own Phil Astley to talk us through the fascinating histories of some infamous locals." 

For more information visit at granitenoir.com.