Torquay to toast 125th birthday with the Agatha Christie Festival

This September marks 125 years since the undisputed queen of crime’s arrival into the world. Agatha Christie was born in Torquay, Devon, in 1890, but it wasn’t until some 30 years later that she made inroads into establishing herself as the mastermind of more than 80 ingenious murder mysteries over her prolific career.

To mark the occasion, various venues around Torquay will host a festival to celebrate the little grey cells that brought the world Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple (as well as the less feted Tommy and Tuppence), and ensured that she far outstripped JK Rowling as the highest grossing author of all time.

Devotees of her psychological mysteries (Christie’s detectives were nothing if not of the armchair variety) will be able to revel in photographs of the author as a young woman, vintage fairs, readings and illustrated talks from the likes of Kate Adie, who will discuss Christie’s role in the First World War.

We’ll find any excuse to head to the land of rolling green hills for a visit to Greenway, Christie’s home which is now under the auspices of the National Trust, and which visitors can reach by ferry, vintage bus or steam train.

11 – 20 September, various venues, Torquay, Devon; www.agathachristiefestival.com