An array of crime writers are set to head to Norwich for the fifth Noirwich Crime Writing Festival.

Eastern Daily Press: Noirwich 2018 - Benjamin BlackPhoto: Kim HaughtonNoirwich 2018 - Benjamin BlackPhoto: Kim Haughton (Image: Kim Haughton (commissioned))

Benjamin Black, Val McDermid, Nicci French and Paula Hawkins are among the authors taking part in the festival which will run from September 13 to 16.

Eastern Daily Press: Noirwich 2018 - Val McDermidPhoto: Fraser RiceNoirwich 2018 - Val McDermidPhoto: Fraser Rice (Image: Fraser Rice)

Noirwich is run by the National Centre for Writing (formerly Writers' Centre Norwich) and the University of East Anglia, and it will see events taking place across Norwich, England's first UNESCO City of Literature.

The 2018 festival includes a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how real-life forensics and post-mortem evidence can make writing more compelling, a discussion on witchcraft and superstition, and even a murder mystery musical.

Chris Gribble, festival co-director and executive director of the National Centre for Writing, said: 'Crime fiction is phenomenally popular and Noirwich is a wonderful celebration that brings people from far and wide to our UNESCO City of Literature for a four-day spectacular of the most exciting and diverse crime writing that the world has to offer.'

Henry Sutton, festival co-director and senior lecturer in creative writing at the University of East Anglia, added: 'Noirwich is at the cutting edge of the most exciting, dynamic and popular literary and filmic genre in the world.

'But it's so much more as well; it's a place for great, timely and entertaining discussions in the friendliest of environments.

'Meet the people who shape imaginations and who can make you laugh.

'Crime writers know how to have fun.'

Noirwich events will take place at Norwich's Dragon Hall, home to the new National Centre for Writing, Jarrold department store, the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia and The Murderers pub.

Cafes and bars will also join in the celebrations with local food with a crime twist and there will be writing workshops where people can try their hand at writing the next bestselling thriller.

The 2018 Noirwich Crime Writing Festival will run from Spetember 13 to 16.

For the full 2018 line-up of Noirwich events, including ticket prices and how to book, visit the Noirwich website at www.noirwich.co.uk

You can also follow Noirwich on Twitter at @NOIRwichFest