Coastal Crime Fiction Festival

Coastal Crime — A One-Day Celebration of Crime Fiction

Discover gripping stories, expert insights and top crime authors at a full-day festival for readers and writers in Southampton.

Join us in Southampton for the inaugural Coastal Crime Fiction Festival, a full-day celebration of crime and thriller fiction. Designed for both readers and writers, the festival brings together bestselling authors, rising stars and leading industry professionals for a programme packed with live panels, conversations, workshops and networking.

Across our Main Hall and Industry Hub, you’ll discover gripping stories, insider knowledge and practical support for every stage of the writing journey. Expect compelling author discussions, expert-led industry sessions, book signings, exhibitor stalls and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow crime lovers.

Whether you’re here to discover your next favourite read or to take the next step in your writing career, this is the crime fiction event you won’t want to miss.

🎟️ Full Festival Passes include:

• Access to all seven Main Hall author sessions
• Entry to the Industry Hub and its seven professional talks
• Tea, coffee and refreshments throughout the day
• Buffet lunch
• Evening reception (6–8pm) with a glass ofProsecco and canapés

Registration: 8:30am | Talks: 9:00am–6:00pm | Evening Reception: 6:00pm–8:00pm

Book your place and join us for a full day of crime fiction in Southampton.

Other ticket options are also available: individual sessions, half-day, day-only and evening-only passes.

Please note that catering varies by ticket type. Individual session tickets do not include catering; half-day passes include tea and coffee; day passes include tea, coffee and buffet lunch; and evening passes include a glass of Prosecco and canapés.

Are you a writer?

Festival attendees can also book a one-to-one appointment with a literary agent or commissioning editor to discuss their work and receive individual feedback and guidance.

Appointments are limited and must be booked separately from your festival ticket.

Meet our participating agents and editors and find out how to book at CoastalCrime.org.

Can’t wait until March? Coastal Crime Presents brings author conversations and crime fiction panels to venues across Southampton in the lead-up to the festival. Discover all upcoming events at CoastalCrime.org.