Coastal Crime

Get ready for a brand-new festival celebrating crime writing in all its thrilling forms!

On Saturday 26 September 2026, the Leonardo Royal Hotel Grand Harbour, Southampton will host a day packed with bestselling authors, workshops, interviews, and unforgettable bookish moments.

Whether you’re a passionate reader, an aspiring crime writer, or just love a good mystery, Coastal Crime is the place to be.

What’s on at Coastal Crime

From big-name interviews and reader-focused panels to industry sessions for writers, Coastal Crime offers two distinct programmes under one roof.

From Page To Screen: Bringing Fiction to Life is just one of many panels taking place across the festival. Coastal Crime features a full day of talks, interviews, and discussions with leading crime writers, exploring everything from craft and inspiration to screen adaptations and the realities of the publishing world.

Big-name interviews & panels • Industry one-to-ones • Socials & signings

Join us in Southampton this September

One Festival. Two Experiences.

Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or both, Coastal Crime lets you choose how you experience the day.

Your early bird ticket gives you access to both halls.

Help us build something special

Coastal Crime is an independent festival. Your support helps us fund industry sessions, cover speaker costs, and create opportunities for emerging writers.

Festival Bookshop & Author Signings

We’re delighted to welcome The Mysterious Bookcase as the official bookshop for Coastal Crime.

The Westbourne-based independent bookshop will run our on-site festival bookshop within the Festival Hub, stocking books by attending authors. Visitors will be able to purchase books on the day and have them signed by the authors, with signings taking place immediately after sessions.