By Raeva Waqiah-Malik and Fernanda de Madariaga
As we approach the end of August and bid farewell to a wet and wild summer, we are thrilled to present more exciting events that take place within our publishing industry. Get your calendars ready to enjoy our line-up containing book festivals, live literary performances, parties and more! We also hope you have been celebrating Women in Translation (WIT) month with us, but without further ado – let’s dive into our first event!
Catherine Lacey & Jen Calleja: Biography of X
Thursday 15 August, 7:00 p.m. at London Review Bookshop, London
The London Bookshop Review graces us with the chance to listen in on Jen Calleja’s conversation with Catherine Lacey, one of Granta’s “Best Young American Novelists” (2017). If you’re a fan of the dystopian genre, Lacey’s latest publication of Biography of X is a shout to it. The event will give us a chance to hear Lacey explore the themes and complicated feelings of a person who lives in a reimagined America. A widow that goes by the name of C.M. writes a biography about her deceased partner, who formerly went under the pseudonym ‘X’ and was a female performance artist. Lacey has won the New York Public Library's Young Lions Fiction Award, as well as her latest publication being shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize (2024).
The tickets cost £10 each and more information can be found here!
SYP UK & SYP London: SYP 75th Anniversary Party (non-members)
Saturday 17 August, 6:30–9:30 p.m. at The Albany, London
Get your party hats ready because the Society of Young Publishers (SYP) invites everyone from all over the UK to celebrate their 75th milestone anniversary! The SYP, established in 1949, is an organisation dedicated to growing early careers for those who want to get into publishing, providing support for career development, networking events and mentorship schemes. The event is open to members and non-members alike, taking place at a renowned venue in London where all things cake, celebration and conversation will surely keep you buzzing. With an opportunity to network, meet and interact with people from the publishing industry (and also receive a goodie bag of publishing treats) it’s hard to say no!
The tickets cost £5 for members and £8 for non-members. Book your entry by clicking here.
Una Marson Walks & Celebration
Thursday 22 August, 8:00–9:30 p.m. at The National Poetry Library, London
It seems like London is stuffed with literary feasts! Southbank’s striking river-side venue will be hosting the celebration of Una Marson, the BBC’s first Black producer, pioneering Jamaican feminist activist, writer and poetry genius for her remarkable impact, along with the 800 years of poetry in Southwark. Attendees receive the honour of learning about her work and her unforgettable influence across literature and media; a heartwarming way to remember Marson’s great advocacy. The event will also have a live performance by Rosa-Johan Uddoh, a writer, poet and teacher who’s had her art screened at Tate Modern in previous years. An eye-opener of an event that will allow you to truly appreciate people, culture and the arts.
Attending either of the walks from the Una Marson Library to The National Poetry Library, on either Wednesday, 14 August or Thursday, 22 August, guarantees a free admission to the Una Marson Celebration! Book your tickets by clicking here.
If you do not wish to join the walk, the tickets are from £7, which can be purchased here.
Fantasy Book Club
Sunday 25 August, 2:00 p.m. at Waterstones, Fareham
The Fantasy Book Club will be coming together to discuss their next fantasy novel on a lazy summer Sunday, a perfect occasion to relax and rejoice in the pleasures of starting a new group along with just-as-interested peers. The book will be Powerless by Lauren Roberts, which narrates the story of Paedyn Gray, a mortal in a fantasy world wanting to blend in with the Elites as she falls in love with a powerful, and possibly dangerous, prince. This New York Times bestseller is not one to miss! For more information on the event, click here.
Queen’s Park Book Festival
Saturday, 31 August to Monday, 1 September, at Queen’s Park, London
Voted as one of the UK’s best literary festivals in 2023, the Queen’s Park Book Festival is up and running again with its authentic literary vibe. Their diverse lineup of authors spans across genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children’s literature; it's no wonder they’re up there on the ranks. Nobel prize winner Venki Ramakrishnan will attend the event for those interested in research towards the prevention of ageing in discussion of his new book Why We Die – The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality. We join Aamna Mohdin as she provides an account of her journey of discovery, a warm nod to family and belonging tying in with a conversation with journalist Georgina Godwin for Mohdin’s latest publication Scattered: The Making of a Refugee. These two are among numerous other book talks!
Over an exciting weekend, Queen’s Park will feature a variety of authors, live discussion panels, book signings and family-friendly activities that foster a unique and exciting experience that celebrates literature and champions under-represented and emerging talents, all whilst providing a strong sense of community!
Events in the Community Tent are free and require no booking. Book tickets for special events and activities here.