Bursting with Pride

June is officially Pride Month, which is the perfect excuse to celebrate and embrace our true selves. We’ve selected the very best literary events of the summer to help you discover stories that will entertain, excite and inspire you to revel in your own beautiful uniqueness. 

Penguin Pride London | 5th July 7:30pm, Cargo Hoxton 

Championing local LGBT+ creative talent, Penguin Pride is set to be a fantastic opportunity to discover new favourites across the arts including literature, music and visual art. The evening will consist of talks, performances, exhibitions and there will even be a pop-up bookshop! Hosted by award-winning poet and playwright Toby Campion, Penguin Pride will also stop off in Brighton and Manchester this summer.

Becky Chambers in conversation | 24th July 7:00pm, Waterstones Glasgow

Get ready for a very special launch! Sci-fi author Becky Chambers is embarking on a UK tour to bring us Record of a Spaceborn Few, the third adventure of her diverse, loveable Wayfarer crew. Find out all about it at Waterstones on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street. Discover where else she’ll be landing here!

An Evening with Matt Cain | 13^th July 6:30pm, Waterstones Manchester Deansgate

Former Attitude editor Matt Cain’s brand new novel The Madonna of Bolton tells the heart-warming story of how one boy’s love of a certain pop star propels him to follow his dreams and stay true to himself. Matt will be discussing the book that was rejected by over 30 publishers but received overwhelming crowdfunded support. Join him at Manchester Deansgate.

Walliams Week Celebrations | 25^th June – 1^st July 9:00am, Waterstones Gateshead 

It has been ten years since David Walliams published his first book The Boy in The Dress and many branches of Waterstones are celebrating with a week full of activities! At Waterstones Gateshead there will be quizzes, treasure hunts, a costume competition and a giant World’s Worst Children photo frame. 

Rainbow Storytime: ‘Julian is a Mermaid’| 14^th July 12:00pm, Waterstones Islington

Waterstones Islington are hosting a series of storytimes featuring picture books that celebrate self-love and acceptance. Join them on 14^th July to listen to Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and do some mermaid colouring! 

Unicorn Party! | 27^th July 2:00pm, Waterstones Chesham 

There is no better way to embrace individuality than by throwing a unicorn party. That’s exactly what Waterstones Chesham are doing! With magic, glitter and plenty of sparkly fun, this is an event that all ages will enjoy.