30th Anniversary News

Wow, what a massive celebration we've just had – 30 years since I invented the concept of Murder Weekends and we're still going strong, quite an achievement in this day and age and a great tribute to all of our actors, our guests and dare I say, myself; after 114 plots, thousands of deaths, and hundreds of thousands of guests – we're still here!

In 1981, when I was quite a naive 25 year old, I came up with the craziest idea, why not 'kill' customers in the hotels where I was working in PR and marketing. I invited guests to come along to sleuth and solve the murders and my invention of Murder Weekends was born. The ensuing worldwide TV, radio and press coverage propelled me in to a wonderful 30 year career, which has seen me travel all over the world, introducing the fun of my Original Murder Weekends and creating an International industry.

On that first weekend, 30th October 1981, I never imagined that I'd still be murdering thirty years on, but I'm so grateful, how else would I meet such lovely guests, have a wonderful extended family of terrific actors and have such great fun with so much laughter!

We have kept our prices the same for the last three years, and although we have had to increase them slightly for 2012, it is by a small amount and the weekends are still incredibly good value for money.

30th anniversary cartoon

On our Original Murder Weekends you will have the fun of a full murder programme from 8.00pm on Friday until 12.00 noon on Sunday. There are always at least 3 murders and the actors stay in character the entire weekend; that, along with full accommodation and delicious meals throughout the weekend, it really is a fantastic deal. Murder Weekends are the perfect 'staycation', there are no hidden costs, as can so often happen with other breaks, no strikes, no hassles at airports, just a fabulous 'bubble' in which to relax, laugh and forget any worries. As one guest recently said, it is the most perfect 'escapism'!

We are just about to say goodbye to our 113th plot and I already have some great ideas for the three new plots in 2012. With some guests coming for their 30th, 40th and even 50th times, I think I can safely say that my plots have not become formulaic or boring! Although guests love the sleuthing, we do have so much fun on weekends and one of the comments I often hear and most relish on a Sunday is "we haven't laughed so much in years!".

Our 30th year is so special and I decided that I would like to mark it by raising money for charity. Although I give to many charities, I have for many years supported Breakthrough Breast Cancer; by finishing the London Marathon (I can't claim to have run it!!), jumping out of a plane and regularly holding 'Breast Parties' for my friends. Having had one of my closest friends very poorly with the disease in 2010, and thankfully successfully beating it, the charity has even more relevance for me. We have already raised money through collections but are hoping to make at least £10,000 with the sale of our very unique, extraordinary and quite ridiculous – 'Murderously Naked Calendar 2012', which has been on sale from October on weekends and from the office. We have managed to produce a very funny calendar thanks to the hilarious exhibitionism of my fantastic group of actors.

I do hope you will be able to join us on one of my Original Murder Weekends soon. You'll give your brain a complete work-out; have great fun and lots of laughs. Don't just take my word for it, why not take a look at the "What the guests say" page, to see what other guests have said about their experience. They loved their weekend and we're sure you will too.

Lastly may I take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their hard work for Murder Weekends, Geri runs our office brilliantly and our fantastic team of actors are amazing. Thank you also to our wonderful guests for their company and custom. I don't always manage to meet everyone at the end of the weekend to say this personally, but I can't thank you all enough, without you, we wouldn't still be going after all these years!

We're dying to see you soon!

Very best wishes