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Agatha Christie Festival 2008

Press Release

Agatha Christie Festival 2008
15th - 20th September

More murder, mystery and mayhem is being planned by some very devious minds on the English Riviera this year, with the fourth annual Agatha Christie Festival taking place between Monday 15th and Saturday 20th September. The undisputed Queen of Crime was born in Torquay in 1890 and the festival marks the anniversary of her birth on September 15.

Agatha Christie has sold more than two billion books, which have been translated into over 70 languages, making her the most widely published author of all time. Remarkably, she is only outsold by the Bible and Shakespeare. In celebration of this fact, the English Riviera host the annual Agatha Christie Festival and more than 40 events across this stunning resort.

The festival attracts curious Christie fans from across the globe, with a wide range of exciting events planned to celebrate the life of this remarkable woman. Once again there will be walks, talks, theatre productions, films, tea dances, balls, boat trips, as well as a whole host of new events for 2008, on what would have been her 118th birthday.

Without doubt one of the most popular events of last year was the open-air screening of "Death On The Nile" in the stunning grounds of Oldway Mansion. Over 500 people enjoyed this unique experience, bringing picnics to enjoy on the grass of the croquet lawn. This year we will be screening "Appointment With Death" again starring Peter Ustinov as Belgium detective Hercule Poirot, joined by an incredible line-up of Hollywood icons. 2008 is also the 70th anniversary of the publication of the story and the 20th anniversary of the film.

Cinema fans also won't want to miss the programme of Agatha Christie classics at the inimitable Blue Walnut Café, home to one of the world's smallest cinemas with just 24 seats. The venue is fully licensed and is a unique way of enjoying some of Christie's most loved films in a truly special setting.

A series of boat trips are also being planned, taking visitors on an exclusive cruise around the beautiful Devon coastline to the River Dart and then onto Greenway Estate, the former home of Agatha Christie, which is now owned by the National Trust. One itinerary will allow privileged passengers the chance to land at Greenway for two hours, to enjoy a high tea and a guided gardener walk around the estate. A second option features a full commentary aboard the Riviera Belle by local historian, author and geographer John Risdon, as well as a visit to the gardens and a fabulous Devonshire cream tea on the return voyage.

Torbay Library Services will again be running a series of talks and workshops across the Bay, as well as their immensely popular annual Tea Dance in the ballroom of Oldway Mansion. The opulent setting couldn't be more perfect - it's where Isadora Duncan once performed and Agatha Chrisie also danced. With live period music and a delicious cream tea to accompany the proceedings, this is your chance to step back in time to those halcyon days of the 1920's and 1930's.

We are very excited to be hosting a very special evening of period music to celebrate the launch of the week in the cloisters garden of Torre Abbey. It will be a fantastic opportunity for guests to visit the Abbey after phase one of a £6.5 million Heritage Lottery Funded restoration.

We will also be hosting a classic car treasure hunt on the Saturday of the festival, meaning the area will be full of stunning vintage cars and some very confused passengers.

More events will be added to the constantly evolving programme over the next month or two, so for the latest information, keep visiting the Agatha Christie section of www.englishriviera.co.uk. The English Riviera Agatha Christie festival is organised by the Agatha Christie group of the Torbay Cultural Partnership and is part of Agatha Christie week celebrated across the UK. For more information visit www.agathachristie.com

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For more information contact:

Matt Newbury
PR & Marketing
English Riviera Tourist Board
01803-408350
Matthew.Newbury@torbay.gov.uk

Editors notes: Please note that this is an evolving festival and events are being added and adapted all the time. Some events are also subject to approval from Agatha Christie Limited. Please keep an eye on our website or get in contact for the most up-to-date information.