Holmes Fest 2017 - Celebrating Arthur Conan Doyle In Portsmouth

Join Portsmouth writers and artists to celebrate the arrival of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in Portsmouth in late June 1882.

A line-up of authors will read stories specially penned in homage to this remarkable man.

Conan Doyle's life in Portsmouth saw him invent his greatest character, Sherlock Holmes and become a convinced Spiritualist, two of the most important parts of his life. He mixed with all classes, played in goal for Portsmouth Association Football Club, played cricket with the gentlemen of the town and played bowls with the Lord Mayor.

In quiet moments between working in his surgery on Elm Grove, Conan Doyle wrote short stories and novels - in 1887 penning A Study In Scarlet - his first Sherlock Holmes novel.

Tonight they celebrate Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, Victorian Portsmouth, detective fiction, crime writing and much more.

I you want to get into the spirit of the times, there will be a prize for The Best Dressed Victorian, plus, if you want to partake in Victorian duelllng and more, come along to the first Holmes Fest in Portsmouth.