True Crime Forum Newcastle 2026

True Crime Forum Newcastle is back for another year!

This year's Forum brings together expert talks, thoughtful workshops, unusual topics and interactive experiences for people who want to explore true crime beyond the headlines.

Across the day, you can expect a mix of serious, surprising and thought-provoking sessions covering investigation, justice, media narratives, victim experiences, psychology, wildlife crime, the Manosphere, local stories and the wider social issues that true crime often opens up.

You'll hear directly from experts, authors, researchers, former investigators, specialists and community voices working in areas of crime, harm and awareness that do not always get the attention they deserve. There will also be opportunities to ask questions, join conversations, meet other curious attendees and take part in an interactive detective experience woven into the day.

The Forum is independent, community-centred and built for people who are interested in true crime as more than something to watch, listen to or read about. It is a day for curiosity, conversation and better questions.

Your Day at the Forum

• Doors open from 9:00am
• The Forum begins at 10:00am
• You'll attend three workshop sessions throughout the day
• Lunch is included with your ticket
• You'll have opportunities to meet speakers, ask questions and connect with fellow attendees

Workshop selections are made during booking. Full programme details and joining information will be sent ahead of the event.

Refund Policy

Refunds are available up to 30 days before the event. After this date, tickets are non-refundable. Where a refund is issued, only the ticket price will be refunded; booking fees are non-refundable.

Line-up

Options for Workshop 1 - 10:30 - 12:00

Dr Bethany Usher - Lucy Letby: How Does Media Change the Narrative
Join our guest speaker Senior Lecturer in Journalism (Theory and Practice) and Director of Education at Newcastle University for a talk on Lucy Letby and the media narrative. 

Workie Ticket Theatre - Staging violence against women and girls
An interactive workshop led by the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Workie Ticket Theatre, JoJo Kirtley exploring how theatre can be used to examine and challenge crimes of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, coercive control and post-separation abuse.

The Crime Scene Insiders
This workshop will be delivered by experienced CSI, Mass Disaster Response consultant and host of the new True Crime Podcast, The Crime Scene Insiders. Dionne Watson will take you under the barrier tape of real investigations, in this insightful and practical workshop. Get ready to get hands-on and a little bit mucky!

Options for Workshop 2 - 13:00 - 14:30

Dr. Rebecca Owens - Why the Manosphere Appeals to Men and Boys - But Isn’t Inevitable
Join Dr Rebecca Owens to explore research on male psychology and mental health, having developed the first taught module on the subject that takes a fully integrated perspective in the world.

Paul Bateman - Out-Thinking the Offenders: Why Training is our Best Weapon Against Wildlife Crime
Paul Bateman and colleagues from the Independent Wildlife Crime Investigators & Trainers Association (IWCITA) will lead an interactive workshop exploring the realities of wildlife crime, the role of wildlife crime forensics, and how members of the public can help protect wildlife and support awareness efforts.

Tanita Matthews - From Research to Release: The Unfinished Investigation of Peter Sutcliffe
Join True Crime Documentary Producer Tanita Matthews, for a delve into her work on her book, The Murder of Judith Roberts: The Mark of Peter Sutcliffe, co-written with Durham Detective Chris Clark and the potential other crimes of Yorkshire Serial Killer, Peter Sutcliffe. 

Workshop 3 - 15:00-17:00

The Detective Rooms
Join us for an interactive, team-led, detective experience! You will work together to examine evidence, follow leads, test theories and make decisions as a case unfolds. Part detective challenge, part team experience, this session offers a chance to get closer to the realities of investigation and see whether you have what it takes to crack the case.