A chance to experience the thrill of Formula 1 and celebrate the legendary icons of speed will be on offer at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu this season.

Formula One World Championship Hungary-Williams-Racing

The thrill of speed at Beaulieu as Icons of Formula 1 take to the National Motor Museum stage: from the 24th May until 2nd November 2025 a new special display at the Museum will mark 75 years since the inaugural Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 1950. The temporary exhibition will bring together nine iconic Formula 1 racing cars, including cars from World Championship winning teams such as BRM, Lotus, Williams and Ferrari. Each vehicle represents a decade of technical and sporting development in Formula 1’s illustrious history – as well as some of its most legendary drivers.

The Museum’s celebration of this motorsport anniversary isn’t just offering visitors the rare chance to see all the cars together but also experience the thrill of driving the powerful machines with an immersive adrenaline-fuelled Formula 1 simulator experience. The state-of-the art simulator sessions will give the rush of sitting in the cockpit of an F1 car, just like a real racing drive.  The sim racing experiences will be available as an addition to the Beaulieu attraction ticket, and visitors will get the opportunity to compete for a monthly Champagne prize for the best lap time around the realistic circuit.

Jon Murden, Chief Executive says, “We can’t wait to share this display of the Icons of Formula 1. The National Motor Museum is renowned for our collection of motoring history, so what better place to showcase the development of motorsport and mark 75 years of the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. We’ve collaborated with some of the world’s leading teams and private collectors to bring this collection of iconic cars together and brought one of the best Formula 1 simulators to Beaulieu to offer the experience of the performance and thrill of real racing.”

The Icons of Formula 1 display headline sponsor is logistics company Indigo-Blue who work with the National Motor Museum to transport historic cars to events across Britain.

Entry to the display in the Museum is included in the Beaulieu ticket, and simulator experience add-on tickets can be booked and purchased on the day – the supplementary price starts at £15 for a 15 minutes sim experience. 

About the Formula 1 simulator The Formula One simulator provides an immersive experience into the world of racing. Large screens and an advanced motion system with reactive belts heighten the experience. Developed in Italy by Wave Italy the simulator is aimed at racing enthusiasts and professional drivers. It uses a sophisticated vibrating system that faithfully reproduces the roughness of the track and curbs. The sim promises to give an ultra-realistic and unforgettable adrenaline rush driving experience.

Bookings can be made at the reception desk in the National Motor Museum. Timed slotsare allocated daily on a first-come, first-served basis, and are 15 minutes from 10:30am until 5pm. Height and weight limits apply and the simulators is designed for use by adults; it is a professional-grade racing simulator and a step-up from traditional console racing games. As such, young people and children may find the complexity of the simulator challenging.

Further information on the Icons of Formula 1 display is available from www.beaulieu.co.uk and www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk

The Rise of The Mid-Life Influencer

Nina Ambrose, 54 @RantsAndBigPants charges £1,800 for an Instagram reel and story

It’s not just the young ones who are doing well on social media. While everyone on TikTok can seem young, midl-life influencers are making their mark and earning big. Kolsquare releases new report – From Mixtapes to TikTok, Why Gen X is the Dark Horse of Influencer Marketing
 
According to leading influencer marketing platform Kolsquare, Gen X (born between 1966 and 1980) is reshaping the social media landscape as the 45+ age group embraces platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook with a growing number carving out second careers as mid-life influencers aka mid-fluencers.
 
On TikTok, the 45+ demographic is the platform’s fastest-growing audience segment, currently at 17.6% and growing (in the US they make up 27%). A third of all 45+ social media users follow influencers, and many are gaining huge audiences and attracting younger followers.
 
“We are seeing a growing number of 40 to 50-something influencers gaining huge traction,” says Katy Link, Head of Brand for Kolsquare. “There’s an army of mid-lifers who started their accounts as a side hustle and are seeing them burgeon and become profitable. There are also growing numbers of mid-lifers starting businesses and using social media to promote them.”
 
It’s not just women of a certain age who are conquering social media, male mid-lifers are talking about their passions too. Ben Hamilton Anderson (@the_gardenerben) has 40,400 followers on Instagram where he shares his passion for gardening. 78% of his audience are male and 31% are between 45 and 64.
 
Facebook loyalists
 
More than a third (33.4%) of Instagram’s global users are 45+ but Gen X are Facebook loyalists who want entertainment while seeking informative and creative content.
 

  • 61% of Gen X have been on Facebook for more than 10 years, although their engagement is declining (as is the case for all age groups) and there is a shift from sharing photos and updates towards passive scrolling. 20% of the platform’s global users are 45+.
  • 73% of 45+  Brits log into Facebook daily and only 5% say they’ve never had a Facebook account
  • 34% of 45+ Facebook users participate in groups and communities

Engagement on Facebook is declining and midlifers are moving to other platforms, globally  –

  • 31% of YouTube users are 45+
  • 17.6% of Instagram users are 45+
  • 26% of Facebook users are 45+
  • 17.6% of TikTok users are 45+ 

Reaching Gen X

Targeting Gen X with influencer marketing campaigns requires an understanding of who they are –  a generation raised with print and traditional TV who want high-quality information, i.e. substance over style.

“As a group, they want more than novelty, they are after content that adds value, whether that’s how to navigate their menopause, fitness tips, cooking, etc,” says Kolsquare’s Katy Link.

Big names like John Lewis, Fantasie and The White Stuff have started to invest heavily in Gen X-focused campaigns. 

Lingerie brand Fantasie is on a mission to change how brands portray Gen X women. They used Nina Ambrose (@rantsandbigpants – see case study below) whose March 2025 racked up an earned media value of £10,752. They also used Mega-influencer and feminist author Tova Leigh (@mythoughtsaboutstuff) who has 1.3m followers on Facebook. Most of her Fantasie posts earned more than 500 likes and one reel got 158,000 plays.

“Gen X has spending power,” says Katy. “Brands like Fantasie that are tapping into this and speaking authentically to mid-life women, are reaping the benefits.”

Social media habits

Gen X spends an hour less per day on social media than Millennials and Gen Z, although their time spent online is the same as other age groups. Their top three reasons for using social media are –

  1. To connect with friends
  2. Get up to speed on the news
  3. Fill spare time

The only difference between them and 25 – 44-year-olds is that they rank filling spare time ahead of keeping up with the news. 

The Sensitive Skin Surge: Why More of Us Are Reacting and How to Calm the Chaos

The Sensitive Skin Surge: Why More of Us Are Reacting and How to Calm the Chaos: Sensitive Skin-2

Sensitive skin can be a huge issue. Redness. Tingling. Dry patches. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. According to Google Trends data, searches for “skin barrier repair” have increased by +230% over the past year in the UK and a recent study found that 71% of adults identify as having sensitive skin, which is a 55% increase in the last 2 decades.

“More people than ever are experiencing sensitised skin due to a perfect storm of modern skincare habits, environmental stressors, and lifestyle choices that compromise the skin barrier,” explains Bruce Green, Chartered Chemist and Founder of SOS Serum Skincare“What we’re seeing is less about skin that is genetically sensitive, and more about skin that’s become sensitised, reactive, unpredictable, and inflamed because it’s under constant pressure.”

Bruce says the trend can largely be traced to the following contributing factors:

  • Modern Lifestyles – Work pressures and constant digital connectivity contribute to heightened stress levels. The World Health Organisation (WHO) labelled it ‘Occupational Burnout’ with global impact. Increased awareness and reduced stigma to mental health issues and reports of sensory issues. And let’s not forget stress, which Bruce believes is often underestimated in skin health. “There’s a real mind-skin connection. Stress hormones like cortisol can affect oil production, weaken the barrier, and make skin more reactive. In today’s always-on world, the skin is constantly on high alert.”
  • Generational Shifts – Gen Z & Millennials, report higher levels of anxiety and sensory sensitivity possibly due to digital immersion and economic instability.

Countries with the highest reports:

  1. United States
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Japan & South Korea
  • Pollution, poor diet and lack of sleep affecting neurological and emotional resilience – Urban living isn’t helping, either. “Pollution particles are microscopic and can penetrate the skin, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. Combine that with hard water, temperature swings, and central heating or air con, and it’s no wonder skin is struggling.”
  • Over Complicated Skincare Routines – “A lot of people are using too many actives – retinols, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C – often in the same routine, without giving the skin time to recover. This strips away its natural defences and leaves it vulnerable,”says Bruce. “Think of your skin barrier like a protective roof. If it’s damaged or worn down, irritants get in and moisture gets out. That’s when the tingling, redness, and flaking begins.”

While sensitive skin was once considered a niche dermatological concern, it’s now mainstream and can strike anyone, at any time. “It’s a misconception that sensitive skin is something you’re born with. For many, it’s acquired through lifestyle,” says Bruce. “Skin sensitivity is essentially your body waving a white flag. It’s telling you it’s overwhelmed, dehydrated, or inflamed. What it needs is simplicity, support, and time to heal.”

So, what’s the solution?

  1. Get more rest – Look at meditation
  2. Improve your diet – plenty of water and fresh fruit & vegetables
  3. Look at your skincare routines – Use formulations designed to reduce stress and boost the skin’s natural defence mechanisms

Bruce recommends a simplified, science-backed skincare approach that works with your skin, not against it. Enter our top picks to help calm and restore sensitive skin:

SOS SERUM SERUM

SOS Serum

SOS Serum works to cool, heal and repair problematic skin. The soothing effect of Wasabi & Burdock Leaf Extracts combined with the cooling sensation from the refined extract of Peppermint, deliver comfort, moisturisation and protection.

Available from sosserum.co.uk (£16),  Amazon (£16.05), Superdrug (£16)

SOS Cleanse, 50ml

SOS Cleanse

Harsh soaps and lotions should be avoided, whereas simple, pure & alcohol-free products will be less irritating. Our recommendation is SOS Cleanse; It is formulated to calm and instantly soothe and cool the skins outermost layer.

Available from sosserum.co.uk (£16), Amazon (£15.40), Superdrug (£16)

3350900001681

Embryolisse Lait Crème Sensitive

Formulated without fragrance, the Embryolisse Lait Sensitive Crème is gentle enough for even the most reactive skin types. Enriched with skin-loving vitamins and fatty acids, it soothes and hydrates without irritation, making it a go-to multitasker for sensitive skin.

Available from Sephora (£26.99) and Amazon.

SOS SUN 50ml (004)

SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream

Sun protection is non-negotiable, daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 50 prevents UV damage and pigmentation. Strengthen the skin’s barrier with high activity emulsion formulations – creams and serums over lotions.

Available from sosserum.co.uk (£17), Amazon (£16), Superdrug (£17)

Wonderbalm, £29

WONDERBALM

WONDERBALM is your go-to solution for a myriad of skin needs. It’s a versatile gem that slips into your skincare routine to banish dryness, provide deep hydration and restore damaged skin.

Available from wonderbalm.com (£29), Amazon (£29)

Should You Be Saying Night, Night To Night Cream?

If your bedtime routine still involves a heavy night cream, it might be time to rethink. Night creams may be comforting, but they often sit on the skin’s surface, struggling to fully absorb which means they’re not working as hard as they could. 
I can find creams too heavy and feel like they are suffocating my skin. It helps to let skin breathe. Something lighter is also better in the summer months.

Enter Elizabeth Grant’s Night Wonder Concentrate, a lightweight yet powerful nighttime treatment proving why concentrates and serums are the new PM essential.

Why the switch? Concentrates sink deeper into the skin, targeting specific concerns more effectively than traditional creams. Whether you’re battling fine lines, blemishes, or visible pores, a serum-like formula delivers potent ingredients where they’re needed most.

Elizabeth Grant – Night Wonder Concentrate

£44.00/ €51,95, elizabethgrant.com

Formulated with effective yet gentle ingredients for a clear, radiant and flawless looking skin. Best suited to normal, oily and combination skin types.

This treatment helps:

  • Reduce the look of large, open pores
  • Clean pores of dirt, sebum, oil, makeup and debris
  • Smooth out the look of fine liens and wrinkles
  • Target the look of blemishes and blackheads

Other fantastic buys from Elizabeth Grant. I love both of these.

Collagen Re-Inforce Triple Strength Miracle Concentrate | £42

The name says it all. This lightweight yet powerful treatment delivers deep hydration while helping to plump, tighten and strengthen the skin for visibly fuller, more resilient skin texture. It leaves skin looking plump and gorgeous.

Vitamin C Gold C Dark Spot Corrector | £55.

A dark spot corrector with Torricelumn™, and the Dark Spot Complex,  our skin brightening treatment to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone.

Scent: Unscented

Really works to brighten up skin. I also love the face it has no scent.

All available from elizabethgrantuk.com

Circa & London Philharmonic Orchestra: Daphnis and Chloé at Royal Festival Hall, London as part of Multitudes Festival “Not much can upstage the LPO in full flow. But these people can!” Review by Paul Vates. Drama Critic

When watching a world premiere performance, one is always filled with a heady mix of trepidation and excitement. The lights dim and out walks Principal Conductor Edward Gardner. The London Philharmonic Orchestra pauses then the beautiful music begins. You breathe a sigh of relief.

Along the front of the stage is a long black area and suddenly it’s filled with people, bizarrely wearing black lace. But the doubts about this soon disperse as they begin to move, to writhe, to climb and swing. They dance. And you get slightly tense again… in good way.

Maurice Ravel’s 1912 choreographic symphony Daphnis et Chloé is in effect a ballet, but is rarely performed with dancers because the rhythms do not flow organically that lead to natural formulaic dancing. The story recounts the romance between the goatherd Daphnis and the shepherdess Chloé. The piece roughly lasts an hour and stands out because, apart from the usual orchestra, there are also two harps, a wind machine and a wordless chorus. The BBC Singers provide the latter, in spine-tingling fashion.

But the performers… not much can upstage the LPO in full flow. But these people can! Circa provides 11 acrobats with such wonderful skills and athleticism that it genuinely causes the audience to gasp, hold its breath, stare wide-eyed in astonishment.

Daphnis et Chloé was followed by La Valse – a short 10-minute in length. Unlike the former’s storytelling and romance, this piece is hectic and raucous, at times vicious and crude. The standing ovation from the packed auditorium was certainly genuine. But the LPO and Circa then had less than an hour to prepare for a second performance. Amazing.

All this is part of the first Multitudes Festival, taking place at the Southbank Centre for the next week or so. It’s all about fusion, mixing art forms with full orchestras. And if this performance is anything to go by, the Festival will not only be a hit but is bound to be back next year!!

Photography Pete Woodhead

Music London Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor Edward Gardner

Chorus BBC Singers

Performers Circa

Director / Designer Yaron Lifschitz

Costume Designer Libby McDonnell

Festival Dates until Saturday 3rd May 2025

Website https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/multitudes/

Michael Rowan looks forward to the upcoming programme of concerts by the London Philharmonic Orchestra

Credit Benjamin Ealovega

If you have read any of my previous reviews of the London Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, you will be aware that I am something of a fan, albeit one who would tell the truth if I hadn’t enjoyed the performances. Well, let me tell you that the last season was incredible, and each concert brought something special, including the triumphant performance of Mahler’s Symphony No 5, plus a veritable treat from the pianist, Francesco Piemontesi, playing Shuman’s Piano Concerto. (see above)

All the guest performers have been similarly spellbinding, and to be in the presence of such genius is both a privilege and a delight. So, it is no surprise that the upcoming programme has me salivating with anticipation.

Imagine sitting in a restaurant browsing the menu, each dish seemingly more delicious. Well, that was me as I browsed the 2025 – 26 programme:

Harmony in Nature is the title of new concert season for 2025/26. The season explores humanity’s bond with the natural world and issues a call to protect it – through the power of music that confronts, celebrates and inspires.

Season highlights include a performance from seven-time Grammy Award-winning composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard, who, alongside his own jazz quintet, will perform the UK premiere of A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina) with the Orchestra. The LPO will perform 9 premieres across the season including Tan Dun’s Nine – an ‘ode to peace’ commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society as a companion piece to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in its 200th anniversary year.

Programming across the season explores the different elements of nature – water, forests, mountains, wildlife and more – reflected in music, including Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ Symphony andworks by Sibelius, Mendelssohn, Elgar and Dvořák; masterpieces of an era that saw nature as a mirror of human emotion.

More contemporary perhaps; voices as diverse as Duke Ellington, John Luther Adams and Anna Thorvaldsdottir have all found an unquenchable source of creative energy in the processes of nature.

If you are able to get to London, my advice would be to treat yourselves and buy tickets before they sell out.

https://lpo.org.uk/tickets-and-discounts/ .

Great Gift Ideas

I always find it hard to find the perfect gift for people, but this selection is both functional, well-designed and fun. Anything that enhances life while also being cool is a must-have.

Connex, £29.99 from KraftedTech

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This is so handy. You will quickly not be able to live without it. The Connex Cable Adaptor Hub is the perfect solution for the frustration of carrying multiple tangled and damaged charging cables. In today’s gadget-hungry world, many of us own an endless list of tech products, from smartphones and smartwatches to iPads and cameras. While the industry is shifting toward universal connectors like USB-C, most consumers still rely on a variety of connections. The Connex hub offers a compact solution with standard charging, PD charging, and data transfer capabilities all in one device making it easier to keep devices connected and charged without the mess of tangled cables. No more missing connections or damaged wires!

b.box snackbox, £9.99 from Amazon

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This is such a clever snack box. The lid is flexible so you can put an apple in there. Perfect for the handbag, car, or office desk, the b.box snackbox is a secret weapon for tackling hunger on the move. With two sealed compartments, it’s ideal for keeping snacks fresh think crunchy nuts, fresh fruit, or a little treat for an afternoon pick-me-up. The easy-to-open, leak-proof design means no spills, just hassle-free snacking.

Warmies® Marshmallow Pink Slippers, £14.99 from Warmies®

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These are cute and cosy. They smell great and you can warm them up in a microwave. Have some much-needed relaxation with the Warmies® Marshmallow Pink Slippers. These soft slippers are filled with natural grains and lavender, offering soothing warmth when heated in the microwave. Perfect for keeping feet cosy and relaxed after a long day.

b.box 1L insulated flip top bottle, £32.99 from Amazon

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This is a great water bottle that was promptly stolen by my toddler. It is very cool and holds a lot. We are always on the go, and staying hydrated often takes a backseat. The b.box 1L insulated flip top bottle is the perfect solution. With double-walled, stainless steel insulation, it keeps drinks cold for up to 46 hours yes, really! The easy flip-top lid and carry handle make it a breeze to take anywhere, whether it’s the school run, gym, or a rare moment of relaxation. Plus, the wide opening means you can throw in ice cubes for an extra chill factor. Stylish and practical.

Please note that this site uses affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

CWA Dagger Awards Longlists Announced and on May 29th, the Shortlists will be announced. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony at the CWA gala dinner on 3 July. The excitement builds.

.The 2025 longlists for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Dagger awards, which honour the very best in the crime-writing genre, are announced. Created in 1955, the world-famous CWA Daggers are the oldest awards in the genre and have been synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century. The longlist for the prestigious Gold Dagger, which is awarded for the best crime novel of the year, includes five debut novels including Bonnie Burke-Patel’s Died at Fallow Hall, the debut whodunnit from Kristen Perrin, How to Solve Your Own Murder, and the first book from bestselling author Harriet Evans, under her penname, Harriet F Townson: D is for Death.

The debuts are up against established authors in the genre, including RJ Ellory, Tana French, and Attica Locke.

The Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, sponsored by Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, showcases the thriller of the year. The longlist for 2025 includes Chris Whitaker with All the Colours of the Dark. Whitaker has previously taken home the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger in 2017 and CWA Gold Dagger in 2021. He’s up against firm favourites including MW Craven with Nobody’s Hero, Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods, and Abir Mukherjee’s Hunted.

The much-anticipated ILP John Creasey First Novel Dagger highlights the best debut novels. Among the rising stars of 2025 is the debut set in the shadow of the Yorkshire Ripper, Katy Massey’s All of Us Are Sinners, former prison officer Claire Wilson’s assured debut, Five by Five, and the moody neo-noir love letter to New York, An Honest Living by Dwyer Murphy.

DV Bishop makes two longlists with A Divine Furythe Gold and the Historical Dagger. The book is the fourth in the Cesare Aldo series featuring a sixteenth century detective in Florence.

The Historical Dagger is sponsored by Morgan Witzel in memory of Dr Marilyn Livingstone. The longlist also includes Clare Whitfield’s Poor Girls: Meet the Female Peaky Blinders, which exposes the criminal underbelly of 1920s London, and Anna Mazzola’s The Book of Secrets set in 17th century Italy.

Maxim Jakubowski, Chair of the CWA Daggers’ committee, said: “Once again our independent and rotating judging panels have come up with surprises galore, highlighting the impressive efforts of both major authors and newcomers, with a convincing demonstration of how diverse and talented the crime, mystery and thriller field is at present. A wonderful embarrassment of outstanding titles.”

The Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger, sponsored in honour of Dolores Jakubowski, features the smash-hit, Waterstones Book of the Month, Butter by Asako Yuziki, translated by Polly Barton. From France comes Artifice, a thriller with a twist from Claire Berest translated by Sophie Lewis, and the queer debut gangland thriller The Night of Baba Yaga from Japan’s Akira Otani also makes the longlist.

The ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction includes giants of the genre with John Grisham and Jim McCloskey’s Framed, which looks at ten wrongful convictions, Lynda La Plante’s memoir, Getting Away with Murder and Kate Summerscale’s retelling of the Christie murders, The Peepshow: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place.

The CWA Daggers are one of the few high-profile awards that honour the short story.This year sees multiple bestselling names from the genre up for the award including Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Janice Hallet, Clare Mackintosh, Ruth Ware and Vaseem Khan.

The Best Crime and Mystery Publisher of the Year Dagger, which celebrates publishers and imprints demonstrating excellence and diversity in crime writing, pits big publishing houses including Michael Joseph (Penguin Random House), Hemlock Press (HarperCollins) and Sphere (Little Brown) against independent publishers, Bitter Lemon Press and Canelo. 

2025 sees the announcement of two new CWA Dagger Awards.

The Twisted Dagger celebrates psychological thrillers and dark and twisty tales that often feature unreliable narrators, disturbed emotions, a healthy dose of moral ambiguity, and a sting in the tail. Longlist titles include NJ Cracknell’s The Perfect Couple, Beautiful People by Amanda Jennings and Catherine Steadman’s Look in the Mirror.

Tracy Sierra’s Nightwatching also makes two longlists: the Twisted and the Gold Dagger.

The Whodunnit Dagger celebrates books that focus on the intellectual challenge at the heart of a good mystery. Books in this category include cosy crime, traditional crime, and Golden Age-inspired mysteries.

Longlisted authors include Tess Gerritsen with The Spy Coast, Tom Spencer with They Mystery of the Crooked Man, and Lisa Hall with The Case of the Singer and the Showgirl.

The Dagger in the Library nominee longlist is voted by librarians and library users, chosen for the author’s body of work and support of libraries. This year sees firm favourites from the genre including Richard Osman, Kate Atkinson, Robert Galbraith, and Barbara Nadel.

The Emerging Author Dagger, which has been going for over 20 years, celebrates aspiring crime novelists and is sponsored by Fiction Feedback. The competition is open to unpublished authors, and is judged on the best opening for an unpublished crime novel. The winner will gain the attention of leading agents and top editors; over two dozen past winners and shortlisted Debut Dagger authors have signed publishing deals to date.

Mick Herron by Mikael Buck.

The CWA Diamond Dagger, awarded to an author whose crime-writing career has been marked by sustained excellence, is announced in early spring and in 2025 was awarded to Mick Herron.

For more information: https://thecwa.co.uk/