Theakston has launched its annual limited-edition packaging of Old Peculier, ahead of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in July.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the festival is regarded as one of the UK’s top literary festivals. Since launching in 2003, it has become known as ‘the Oscars of the crime fiction world’, where the coveted Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award will be presented to one of a shortlist of six authors. The recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award will also be revealed.
In honour of the landmark festival, which recently revealed its full programme and longlist, the brewery is repackaging its bottles of Old Peculier to include a bloody thumbprint and the festival logo. Fans of the beer can see the special branding in all shops, and bars and restaurants, from the mid-May.
Old Peculier is inextricably connected with crime. The 5.6% ABV dark red ale takes its name from Masham’s historic Court of the Peculier which, in medieval times, allowed the parish to govern its own affairs when dealing with civil law. This year’s festival has been curated by award winning crime and thriller author Vaseem Khan, and will feature authors including Lee Child, Andrew Child, Janice Hallett, Rob Rinder, and Femi Kayode.
“We have worked closely with Harrogate International Festivals on the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival for two decades now, and are so proud of what it has become,” said Simon Theakston, joint managing director of T&R Theakston.
“This year is a landmark year, and the programme which Vaseem has curated is very exciting, covering everything from the perfect murderous opening, police procedurals, and dark obsessions, to legal thrillers and the golden age of crime.
“It’s fantastic to be able to provide a prologue to what will be an exciting festival with the relaunch of our limited-edition Old Peculier packaging. I am thoroughly looking forward to celebrating with authors and fans alike once again at the world’s best crime writing Festival over a pint of Old Peculier!”
