An independent Cheshire bookshop has celebrated the resounding success of its latest crime writing festival, bringing together best-selling authors and readers from across the UK while staying true to its roots as a community-focused, independent business.
The Cheshire Crime Writers Festival began as a bold idea from The Curious Cat Bookshop, to create a festival that felt welcoming, inclusive, and genuinely connected to readers, has now firmly established itself as a much-loved fixture in the crime writing and reading calendar. The most recent festival weekend on the 7th and 8th February saw a packed programme of 38 Authors in panels, interviews, book signings and conversations, with over 200 attendees travelling from across the country to be part of an event that proudly champions both established and emerging voices in crime fiction.
Crucially, the festival was designed not simply as a literary event, but as a celebration of the relationship between writers, readers and independent bookselling. While national festivals often prioritise scale, The Cheshire Crime Writers Festival has deliberately focused on atmosphere by offering an intimate, friendly environment where meaningful conversations can flourish and where readers feel as valued as the authors they come to see.
Over the course of the weekend, audiences enjoyed lively discussions from best-sellers such as Clare Mackintosh, Lesley Kara, Louise Candlish and Lindsey Davis to name a few. Readers spoke of feeling able to engage directly with authors, ask questions, and take part in discussions without intimidation, while authors highlighted the warmth, enthusiasm and knowledge of the audiences they met.
At the heart of the festival is its independent bookshop organiser (The Curious Cat Bookshop), whose aim has always been to serve its local community of Frodsham, Cheshire while also welcoming visitors from further afield. That balance was clearly reflected in the weekend’s success, with local residents attending alongside crime fiction fans who travelled from other regions to experience a festival that offers something distinct from larger commercial events.
The festival also provided a valuable boost to the local economy, with hotels, restaurants and shops benefitting from the influx of visitors over the weekend. This wider impact underlines the role that independent cultural events can play in supporting towns and communities, proving that small-scale initiatives can deliver meaningful economic and social benefits.
Reflecting on the weekend, James Caldwell the owner of the Curious Cat Bookshop expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “This festival exists because of the people who believe in it,” he said. “The authors who give their time so generously, the readers who show up with such enthusiasm, the team who work have worked so hard, and the amazing local community of readers who support us year after year. Seeing people connect over books, ideas and shared passions is exactly why we wanted to do this in the first place.”
With the success of the latest event still fresh, planning is already underway for the next festival, which will take place on 6–7 February 2027. Building on everything this year, the organisers aim to develop the programme further while staying true to the festival’s founding principles: accessibility, inclusivity, and a genuine love of crime writing.
The 2027 festival will once again welcome authors and readers from across the UK, with a programme designed to appeal to devoted crime fiction fans as well as those new to the genre. As before, the focus will be on thoughtful discussion, reader engagement and creating a space where everyone feels welcome — whether they are attending their first literary event or their fiftieth.
Clare Mackintosh opened the Festival, sharing her journey from a serving Police Officer of 12 years to her latest book which is available to pre-order.
Importantly, the organisers remain committed to keeping the festival grounded in its indie ethos. “We don’t want to lose what makes this special, what I loved the most was that relaxed atmosphere over the weekend” James explained. “This is about community, conversation and connection. Being an independent bookshop gives us the freedom to do things differently, and that’s something we want to protect as the festival grows.”
The announcement of the 2027 dates comes with an open invitation to readers, authors and supporters alike to be part of the next chapter.
As independent bookshops continue to face challenges nationwide, the success of this festival stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through creativity, collaboration and a deep understanding of community. It demonstrates that small, independent businesses can play a vital role in shaping cultural life — not just locally, but on a national stage.
For now, the team at the Curious Cat Bookshop are taking a moment to reflect on a weekend before turning their attention to February 2027 and the opportunity to do it all again.
If you would like to get involved in the 2027 Festival please email – Hello@TheCuriousCatBookshop.co.uk
