Halloween Events 2017

The nights are getting darker, the wind is getting chillier, and Halloween is just around the corner. Undoubtedly busy pulling together your costume for the big night, you’re probably wondering what book events you can attend to get into the scary spirit. Luckily, we’ve put together this spooky selection to send a shiver down your spine…

Andrew Michael Hurley: Devil's Day | Dates from 24th Oct - 30th Nov

Andrew Michael Hurley’s debut book, The Loney, took the literary world by storm and won the Costa Novel of the Year. His new novel, Devil’s Day, is set to be just as successful and perfectly timed for an eerie Halloween read. Devil’s Day is a dark exploration of myth, tribes and folk horror in the gothic North. There are plenty of opportunities to meet Andrew somewhere local to you, hear about his writing process, and get a signed copy of the book.

Laura Purcell: The Silent Companions | 23rd October 7pm

If you’re craving some gothic mystery, allow us to introduce Laura Purcell’s The Silent Companions. A crumbling country mansion, a 200 year-old diary, an unsettling painted wooden figure… don’t read this one alone in the dark! Chat to Laura about her ghostly inspirations and get a signed copy to take home.

If you can't make this date you can see Laura along with Neil Spring and Elodie Harper at this evening of ghostly stories on 9th Nov. 

Gothic Book Clubs | 25th Oct 6:30pm & 31st Oct 7pm

Wondering where Laura takes her inspiration? Discuss iconic Gothic author Shirley Jackson at these book clubs: Forgotten Fiction Book Club in Bloomsbury will be travelling back in time to the literary lost gems of the 20^th Century Gothic era: Shirley Jackson and Barbara Comyns; Northcote’s monthly book club is going spooky for Halloween, reading Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, widely considered to be one of the best ghost stories of all time. Come prepared with questions, opinions, and maybe a pillow to hide behind!

The Short Story Salon: Ghost Stories | 23rd October 6:30pm

We all have our favourite Halloween character: witch, mummy, goblin… If you’re Team Ghostie then then make sure your BOOk your ticket for this ghost story salon! Join a panel of four fantastic debut authors and explore what makes the perfect spine-tingling gothic tale. Chat all things ghostly horror while enjoying wine and spooky treats. “Eat, drink, and be scary!”

Joanne Harris: A Pocketful of Crows | Dates from 24th - 27th Oct

Joanne Harris may have written the scrumptious Chocolat, but A Pocketful of Crows is not quite so sweet, and perfectly timed for Halloween. Atmospheric, enchanting, and mysterious, Joanne’s novella is a short but powerful folk fairy tale to curl up with next to a warm fire while the wild winds howl. Meet the author and get a signed copy of her new spooktacular book at any of these four events.

Harriet Muncaster: Isadora Moon | 21st & 29th Oct both 2pm

For the little vampire in your life there’s the chance to meet Harriet Muncaster, the creator of the magical Isadora Moon series! Harriet has two fangtastic events featuring storytime and interactive activities – don’t forget to wear your best fancy dress!

Halloween Half Term! | Dates from 21st Oct UK wide

Waterstones shops across the country are hosting spooky events for a Halloween themed half-term. Expect ghastly treasure hunts, creepy colouring, and lots of dressed up little monsters! 

Happy Birthday BookGig!

Today is a big day here at BookGig HQ as we are officially celebrating our first birthday –  we can’t believe it’s come around so fast (just like our personal birthdays in fact 😒 😒). But it’s true! BookGig was launched on 11th October 2016 as a unique platform designed to help you book loving folk discover the best literary events across the UK, covering a whole spectrum of different genres and events of all shapes and sizes.

  

From crime to celebrity memoir, cookery, children’s, poetry, to sci-fi and fantasy – BookGig has something for everyone.

A lot has happened in a year – we have featured more than 8,000 events across the UK, helping more authors reach their fans and more book lovers to find events they’ll enjoy.

BookGig’s new Facebook community might even have been partially to blame for some events selling out – there have been a few events we’ve promoted which reached over a half a million fans in under 24 hours!

And we’re only really just getting started! We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes on some new and exciting features that we think you’ll love even more.

We’re soon launching our new user recommendation engine – by generating a profile we can tailor the events you see on BookGig to make your experience unique to you. Hopefully, this means that you’ll have more free time to attend all the events that tickle your fancy. And that’s not all, we’re also going to be refreshing our website’s design to make looking for your next author talk or book signing even more easy and fun.

To our wonderful community and all of the venues, booksellers and publishers that have worked with us to bring bigger audiences together – THANK YOU! We appreciate your help and so do your attendees. Please keep letting us know about exciting events you have coming up, as we would love to help promote more amazing events around the country.

Keep watching this site and following us on social media for all the best of book based events near you.

Love,

Team BookGig

Discussing Gender and Diversity

Here at BookGig we’ve been seeing a wealth of events based around the themes of Gender and Diversity this October. From the presence of women in politics and science to the importance of transgender and gay rights, there is something for everyone to open their mind and find strength in themselves and others. 

Sophy Ridge: Women Who Shaped Politics | 2nd October 6:30pm

What is it like to be a woman in politics today? Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge addresses this question in her new book chroniciling the efforts of British female politicians to be equal and be heard. From those who first penetrated the Westminster patriarchy to their modern counterparts, such as Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon, this is sure to be a thought-provoking and inspirational event. 

Interested in other events about women in politics? Why not try this event with MPs Rachel Reeves and Jess Phillips.



Gender Politics Today | 6th October 6:30pm

From the moment we are born, we are clothed in blue or pink according to what's between our legs. It is society's tendency to pigeon-hole unique individuals into restrictive gender parameters that transgender activists Juno Dawson and CN Lester aim to dispel. Both acclaimed authors in their own right, two voices at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ community lead a frank and eye-opening discussion about the need to strive for autonomy and authenticity.

Desperately want to see Juno Dawson but can't make this event? You'll find another opportunity here.



Robert Webb | 7th October 8:30pm

“Man up!” “Don’t throw like a girl!” “A real man would be drinking beer.” These are the gendered instructions actor and comedian Robert Webb addresses in his new book, ‘How Not to be a Boy.’ In the recent feminist wave, the role of men in gender discussions has been somewhat overlooked, but Webb’s book aims to denounce The Rules of masculinity and challenge the barriers put up by gender expectations. His candid coming-of-age story is honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking, and – as Robert says – you are completely allowed to cry.  

Shami Chakrabarti: Of Women | 14th October 4:30pm

Feel inspired and empowered to revolutionise the gender imbalance in the world today with Baroness Shami Chakrabarti. In her manifesto for change, Shami outlines how we have not yet done enough to address global gender injustice and why now is the time to stand up and take action. This rousing ‘call to arms’ event is pertinent to men, women, young, and old. 

Full of strength and opinions? Share your feminist thoughts at this dedicated book club in London.

Inferior? Women and Science: Angela Saini | 15th October 4pm

The title of Angela Saini’s latest book may be ‘Inferior’, but its content is anything but. As an award-winning science journalist, author, and broadcaster, Angela provides well-researched evidence to argue that women have been misrepresented in Science. Challenge the view that both men and women’s brains and bodies are scientificially discrete, and develop new ways of thinking about females in scientific history.

You'll also find Angela Saini at this event with other inspirational female authors. 

Queers: Mark Gatiss, Jackie Clune, and Brian Fillis in conversation | 30th October 7pm

The ‘Queers’ monologues have been featured onstage, on screen, and now in print – and here’s your chance to pick up a copy signed by the writers! This remarkable collection explores the evolution of societal attitudes in British gay history in the last century in a series of honest, tragic, witty, and heroic accounts. Curated by acclaimed actor and writer, Mark Gatiss, this is a rare event not to be missed. 

Interested in other events like this? You'll find something similar here. 

Hidden Gems - September Edition

With so many popular book events to choose from it can be difficult to find those hidden gems to tickle your literary taste buds. We've done some of the legwork for you with our pick of unique events happening over the next couple of weeks...

Write & Shine: Early Morning Writing Classes with Gemma Seltzer | Various start times and locations weekly from September to November

You can look forward to your alarm! Inject some creativity into your mornings by flexing your writing muscles at this interactive workshop led by Gemma Seltzer. Research shows we are more creative in the morning, and utilising this golden hour can improve productivity for the rest of the day! Suitable for all levels of creative writing experience, including those who just want to add a bit of imagination into their day. 

An Evening with Shrabani Basu | 21st September 6:30pm

If you’re a ‘read the book before you see the film’ kind of person, this unique opportunity to meet the author will enrich your experience before seeing Judi Dench’s dramatic interpretation of the strong-willed Queen Victoria. Shrabani Basu’s ‘Victoria and Abdul’ tells the true story of an unlikely friendship formed between Queen Victoria and young Indian waiter Abdul Karim. Though their companionship is met with much fear and criticism from the royal household, Basu’s narration is a heart-warming tale of how friendship can transcend racial and social obstacles. There is also an opportunity to get a signed copy of the book. 

Champagne Tasting with Davy Zyw | 27th September 6pm & 28th September 7pm

Can you tell the difference between prosecco and champagne? You’ll certainly be able to after this event with Britain’s youngest ever sommelier, Davy Zyw. As well as a fascinating talk on the history and production of champagne, there will also be an opportunity to try some of Zyw’s favourite selections. With a new-found appreciation for fizz, this event is sure to leave you bubbling with excitement for your next glass! 

The Scummy Mummies | 29^th September 8pm

An unmissable night of hilarity for any parent – this comedic duo’s hugely successful podcast series has lifted the lid on not-so-secret parenting fails, and championed wine and fish fingers as a fine dinner choice (no vino for the kids of course, Mummy needs it). Take a night off and join the ultimate Mum-crush pair for an unforgettable evening!

Literary Festivals - September Edition

There's a bold variety of fascinating Literary Festivals happening this September, and we've selected some of our favourite events. Be sure to check out each festival's full programme, though, who knows what other delights you will find?!

Chiswick Book Festival | 14th-18th September

An Evening with Jane Austen - 14th September 6pm
The Chiswick Book Festival opens with this event, celebrating the life of Jane Austen 200 years after her death. Featuring Austen experts and biographers Paula Byrne and Helena Kelly, curator of Chiswick House Dr Esme Whittaker, and Sense and Sensibility actress Imogen Stubbs, this will excite existing Austen fans and attract new readers! 

Hampstead and Highgate Literary Festival | 14th-18th September

Poetry Workshop: Forming the Line - 17th September 3:30pm

A chance for budding poets to receive some invaluable advice from award-winning poet Karen McCarthy Woolf. Bring along a line from a poem you admire and see what poetic magic Karen can help you weave from it!

So They Call You Pisher! – Michael Rosen - 18th September 8:30pm

Renowned poet and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen closes the festival with this discussion of his new memoir. Hear the compelling life story of the legend of children’s storytelling – from a childhood in the Communist Jewish East End to a life-changing trip to East Germany. 

Byres Road Book Festival | 22nd-25th September

An Evening with Gail Honeyman | 22nd September 7pm

Meet award-winning author of the heart-wrenching debut, ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’, Gail Honeyman. This wonderful Sunday Times bestseller will make you laugh and cry. Get reading now so that you can come armed with questions for its creator!

'Small Wonder': Charleston Short Story Festival |  27th September - 1st October 

Let Me Count the Ways - 27^th September 6pm

Love. It is the subject at the heart (pun intended) of all storytelling – whether it be the presence of it, the absence, the gain, or the loss. Join this eclectic panel as they discuss what love means to them, how it’s presented in their narratives, and how we can explore it in whole new ways.

Protest: Stories of Resistance - 27th September 7:45pm

This promises to be a truly inspirational and powerful event as two contributors, poet and writer David Constantine and writer Kit de Waal, reflect on their stories of racial and social injustice in British protests. Their tales are inspired by true events; the Oxford march in response to Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech and the 1964 Smethwick Campaign.

Writing for RadioWorkshop - 28th September 10am

Do you dabble in creative writing? Do you love BBC Radio 4’s short stories? Be sure to book yourself into a fascinating workshop run by BBC radio producer Liz Allard, teaching the necessary skills for engaging with people who listen to fiction. Liz will lead a series of workshops on creative process, supported by radio writer Alison MacLeod.

Refugee Tales:Speaking Volumes - 30th September 12pm

Immigration and refugees are key themes running throughout this year’s Festival. Hear the stunning second volume of Refugee Tales: a personal insight of asylum, modelled on Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, which promises to be as insightful as the first. Retelling ‘The Mother’s Tale’ is prize-winning author Marina Warner, and re-imagining ‘The Soldier’s Tale’ is award-winning novelist Neel Mukherjee. 

Hidden Gems - August Edition

Team BookGig is great at sourcing popular events to take care of all your literary cravings, but we also prides ourselves on finding those lesser known gems! Take a trip off the beaten path and delve into these exciting August opportunities...

Sean Hugh’s Blank Book – 14th-24th August

Irish comedian Sean Hughes joins forces with Carl Donnelly, Hannah Norris, Joe Rowntree and special guests in an improvisation extravaganza as the comedians attempt to create a narrative for the audience to enjoy. Whether the improv works seamlessly and carries the narrative arc to its envisioned ending, or descends into narrative chaos, this is one event guaranteed to get you giggling.

The Beginners Guide to Writing a Novel – 15th August 

Love writing? Think you have what it takes to be the next bestselling author but no idea where to start? Tim Lott, author of The Scent of Dried Roses, has just the answer. Providing invaluable advice for novice writers, Lott aims to break down the classic story structure and share a number of helpful writing techniques to get first time novelists off to a roaring start on their debuts.

An Evening with Naomi Hamill – 17th August

Join author Naomi Hamill at Manchester-Deansgate Waterstones as she celebrates the release of her new novel How To Be A Koskovan Bride. Learn about the little-known history of Albania, along with folk tales and the experience of modern Kosovan women, in this wonderfully engaging Q&A session.

Sam Kean & Helen Czerski: Caesars’s Last Breath – 23rd August

If the science of the Universe, life and everything sounds like a complicated and vast topic then join Sam Kean and Helen Czerski in conversation, exploring and further expanding on their publications Caesar’s Last Breath and Storm in a Teacup. Uncover the science behind the air we breathe and the importance physics bears upon our everyday lives.

Hidden Gems June - July

Sometimes you want to take a break from the norm and try something a little bit different. With that in mind, these are just some of the hidden gems on BookGig, handpicked from lesser known sources of literary prowess and brought to your attention! So, take a look and attend an event, or two, or even three …

Terra Two: Writing for an Off-World Colony 17th June

Send your imagination to Mars at this creative writing session in York that looks to lend some creative flair to Earth’s near-future mission to an off-world colony. Leading the workshop will be York St John University staff who will provide prompts and a topical sci-fi discussion on classic texts and ideas to stir the cosmic energy in the room. Attendees will be supported in producing their work, with the chance to join the Terra Two digital archive, which will collate contributions of writing, music, pictures, games and podcasts for the Terra Two website in time for its launch. Whether you want to take your sci-fi writing to the next step and be published with the support of editors, or simply want to get creative and have some fun proffering your version of a journey to the stars, this is an event not to be missed. 

Time Travellers: An Immersive Short Story Show 22nd June

At present, our only vehicle by which to travel back into the past or forward into the future is fiction. For a small fee you can peruse an abundant showroom of fiction’s time travelling vessels at Durham’s Palace Green Library. This exhibition of short stories will guide you outside of time with audio installations, music, film and literature that bend the rules of the space time continuum, and hopefully inspire you to produce your own story live from the fourth dimension. 

Urban Forest Tree Walk with Paul Wood 22nd June

              

Most can’t see the wood for the concrete in London’s urban jungle. Thankfully though, Paul Wood is on hand (and foot) to show you the vast beauty of London’s urban Forest at this fascinating guided walk examining the beauty and history of London’s trees. 

London Radical Bookfair 24th June

Spelunkers of independent thinking would be remiss to pass by this hidden gem of an event celebrating hidden gems themselves. Organised by the Alliance of Radical Booksellers, formed to raise awareness of literary indie-thinking, the London Radical Bookfair is a free event gathering the most unique and rebellious minds in the publishing trade. Over 130 exhibitors and 20 guest speakers will showcase the depth and breadth of radical publishing and unveil the new grass roots initiatives shaking the corporate foundations of the industry; witness the revolution. 

Locomotrix Poetry Event 29th June

If a ‘psychedelic frolic through altered states and parallel realities’ is what you look for in a poetry reading, then A.A. Walker’s performance of erotic prose-poem Licentia is the answer to your mid-week lull! Accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Ozlem Simsek’s harp and theremin loops, this is a poetry reading like no other, where music and verse synchronise to experimental and enchanting effect. 

Women in White: a Cultural History of the White Dress 7th July 

Purity, innocence, and light. The colour white has draped female characters in film and literature in these symbolic connotations throughout history. As part of the Lancaster Words three-day celebration of the written and spoken word, Dr Catherine Spooner provides an engaging insight into the women in white of gothic narratives.

every thing every time: Data Poetry Workshop 8th July

There had to come a time when computers could create our art for us, and that time is now. Artist Naho Matsuda created live poetry for her ‘every thing every time’ exhibition by using a computer programme that interacts in real-time with information created and collected by CityVerve Manchester. The final product was a never ending, ever changing poem feeding off the city’s movement:

the sun rises
the streets are empty
today is the last day of the term
the car park is almost empty
the traffic light turns green
the cleaning shift starts
the bus is on time
and it is colder than yesterday

With Matsuda’s guidance and alongside the multi-award-winning Manchester-based live literature team Bad Language, you can have a go at creating utterly unique robot poetry yourself.