Vouchers and Event Tickets
E-Vouchers will be emailed. We don’t provide event tickets. Name (s) will be on the guest list. No postage required
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Protected: Author Event | AK Blakemore | Note change of Venue
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Author Event | Elodie Harper & Nikita Gill
Thursday 23rd April 2026, 6pm in person event at Patch Cafe
Doors open at 5.30pm and the bar will be open. This is a wheelchair accessible venue and the event will commence at 6pm sharpAuthor event with Elodie Harper talking about her new paperback edition of BOUDICCA’S DAUGHTER with Nikita Gill at Red Lion Books.The event ticket is £5 and paperback copies of BOUDICCA’S DAUGHTER and HEKATE will be available to purchase at the eventus@redlionbooks.co.ukBoudicca. Infamous warrior, queen of the British Iceni tribe and mastermind of one of history’s greatest revolts. Her defeat spelled ruin for her people, yet still her name is enough to strike fear into Roman hearts. But what of the woman who grew up in her shadow?The woman who has her mother’s looks and cunning but a spirit all of her own?The woman whose desperate bid for survival will take her from Britain’s sacred marshlands to the glittering façades of Nero’s Roman Empire…Born to a legend. Forced to fight. Determined to succeed. Elodie Harper is the award-winning author of the Wolf Den trilogy, set in ancient Pompeii. The first book in the series, The Wolf Den, was a Waterstones Book of the Month, and the second, The House with the Golden Door, was a Sunday Times bestseller. Her next novel, Boudicca’s Daughter, is out in August 2025. Alongside her career as a writer, Elodie has worked as a reporter at ITV News and producer at Channel 4. elodieharper.comNikita Gill is an Irish-Indian poet, playwright, illustrator, and author based in the south of England. She has written and curated seven volumes of poetry, including Wild Embers, Fierce Fairytales, Great Goddesses, and These Are the Words. Her novel Hekate: The Witch, the first book in her chthonic gods trilogy, was a #1 New York Times bestseller. Nikita is one of the most followed poets on Instagram and her work is beloved around the world.
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Author Event with Author Nussaibah Younis | Discussing Fundamentally
Wednesday 29th April 2026, 3pm in person book club event
Author event with Nussaibah Younis discussing FUNDAMENTALLY with Appetite Book Club membersThe event ticket is £12 which includes the book.SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION A funny and razor-sharp exploration of love, family, religion and the decisions we make in pursuit of belonging. Nadia is an academic who’s been disowned by her puritanical mother and dumped by her lover, Rosy. She decides to make a getaway, accepting a UN job in Iraq.Tasked with rehabilitating ISIS women, Nadia becomes mired in the opaque world of international aid, surrounded by bumbling colleagues. Sara is a precocious and sweary East Londoner who joined ISIS at just fifteen. Nadia is struck by how similar they are: both feisty and opinionated, from a Muslim background, with a shared love of Dairy Milk and rude pick-up lines. -
Author Event: Bobby Palmer in conversation with Kate Sawyer
Thursday 9th July 2026, 6pm in person event (finished by 7-7.30pm)
Main Characters Getting Away : Bobby Palmer, author of Isaac and the Egg talks about his new book ‘Main Characters’ with author Kate Sawyer about paperback publication of Getting Away Clara and Seb are about to fall in love. They don’t know it yet. But everybody else does. When Clara and Seb meet in a quiet corner of London, it’s the start of something. She wants to be a Director. He’s an actor, unsure what he wants from life. Their connection is magnetic. Everyone can see that falling in love looks something like this. But when Clara casts Seb in the film that will make her name, what should be the happiest time of their lives ends with a gut-wrenching betrayal. Some love stories are bigger than just two people. This one is told through the eyes of friends, flatmates, exes and strangers who see all the sides of Seb and Clara, from their first date to the moment they fell apart. Everyone has their version of events. But only Clara and Seb can decide how their story ends…This is a love story, told by everyone but the main characters.‘Unique, tender and funny’ Pandora Sykes
Bobby Palmer is both an author and journalist. His critically acclaimed debut novel, Isaac and the Egg, was a Waterstones Paperback of the Year in 2022; his second novel Small Hours was published in 2024. Bobby co- hosts the podcast Book Chat with Pandora Sykes and his writing has appeared in GQ, Esquire, Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan amongst others. Kate Sawyer is the author of three novels: Getting Away, Waterstones Fiction Book of The Month, This Family, and her debut novel, The Stranding, which was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, won the East Anglian fiction prize, was adapted for BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime -
Author Event: Mel Giedroyc
Sunday at noon, 27th September (doors open 11.30am)
In person event at Colchester Arts Centre. In conversation with author Kate Sawyer.
Ticketing options are available with or without a hardback edition of ‘The Comeback’ (rrp £20). Mel will stay on to sign her book after the talk. Ticket only, Ticket with book. 2 Tickets with 1 book Please note, this is not stand up comedy act. This is Mel talking about her book, in conversation with author Kate. The Comeback is a funny, big-hearted story of second chances. Sometimes life surprises you with an encore… Twenty years ago, aspiring performer Gill Piper boarded a bus out of Leatherhead with a spring in her step and stars in her eyes. Things didn’t quite pan out… Back home again, Gill finds much has changed. Young Lights, the youth theatre group which coaxed her out of her shell, is no more. The theatre itself, once the heartbeat of the community, now feels like a has-been; Gill can relate. When Gill learns the theatre is approaching its hundredth year, she decides to put on a spectacular anniversary show to give it a comeback and unite the town. She has just eight weeks, but if she can persuade some shy newcomers to step into the spotlight, it might just be possible. But Gill hasn’t counted on self-appointed Artistic Director and diva extraordinaire Carla Keswick, who declares war. Can Gill and her unlikely company of amateurs defy Carla’s dirty tricks, and prove it’s never too late for a curtain call? -
Author Event: Robert Ashton
Thursday, 6pm, 30th July
In person event at Colchester Crematorium Chapel (finished by 7.30pm)
Ticketing options are available with or without one or both books. Pre ordering books offers a saving otherwise books will be available on the evening at RRP The final chapter in Robert Ashton’s latest book Down to Earth sees him visit Colchester cemetery in search of his great-grandparents’ graves, so the cemetery and crematorium chapel is a fitting setting for what promises to be an intriguing talk about two of his books. Discover how almost forgotten ways are returning in rural East Anglia, and why it is vital that we relearn to respect the ground beneath our feet.Down To Earth, published in Hardback on 2nd July, RRP £16.99
We rely on the soil and its rich biodiversity for our food, traditions and folklore, but are we guilty of taking it for granted? In Down to Earth, Robert Ashton traces five centuries of human relationships with the soil, from farming and folklore to the modern environmental crisis. In so doing he reveals the wisdom of the gardeners, farmers, gravediggers, archaeologists and naturalists who work with it every day. Each chapter focuses on an aspect of our connection to the earth beneath our feet, seeking to deepen our understanding of its importance and encourage us to take its preservation more seriously.Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay? published in paperback on 19th March, RRP £10.99
Where Are the Fellows Who Cut the Hay? is an ode to rural life, charting traditions of the past, how they were lost and why we need to reconnect. Exploring the relationship between everyday items and the communities that make them, Robert Ashton provides a snapshot of twenty-first century England. Where are the people who grow barley, milk cows and produce wool? How have their farming methods become less ethical, sustainable and natural over time? And what are we doing today to reverse that change? Inspired by George Ewart Evans’ Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay, Ashton gives voice to local people and travels rural Suffolk in search for innovation, interweaving his own personal connection to Evans and to the land. Part memoir, part social history, Ashton’s thought-provoking book is a manifesto for why, against all odds, we need to step back in order to progress. SHORTLISTED FOR THE NEW ANGLE PRIZE 2025 LONGLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2024 -
Book Club Event with Author Wendy Erskine | Discussing The Benefactors
Thursday 25th June 2026, 11am in person book club event
In Collaboration with Essex Book Festival
Book Club / Author event with Wendy Erskine discussing THE BENEFACTORS with Appetite Book Club membersThe event ticket is £16 which includes the bookThis event is held offsite at a wheelchair accessible COLCHESTER ARTS SCENTRELONGLISTED FOR THE 2026 WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION AN OBSERVER BEST DEBUT NOVEL 2025 LONGLISTED FOR THE GORDON BURN PRIZEWhat a beautiful, hilarious blast of brilliance (Donal Ryan, author of Heart, Be at Peace)
Meet Frankie, Miriam and Bronagh: three very different women from Belfast, but all mothers to eighteen-year-old boys. Gorgeous Frankie, now married to a wealthy, older man, grew up in care. Miriam has recently lost her beloved husband Kahlil in ambiguous circumstances. Bronagh, the CEO of a children’s services charity, loves celebrity and prestige. When their sons are accused of sexually assaulting a friend, Misty Johnston, they’ll come together to protect their children, leveraging all the powers they possess. But on her side, Misty has the formidable matriarch, Nan D, and her father, taxi-driver Boogie: an alliance not so easily dismissed. Brutal, tender and rigorously intelligent, The Benefactors is a daring, multi-voice presentation of modern-day Northern Ireland. -
Book signing | Nick Butterworth
Saturday 28th March, 2pm On the ground floor of Red Lion Books until 2.30pm Nick will be in signing copies of his latest two titles Cross Rabbit and The Easter Egg Hunt We’d love to see you here. If there is a particular book you would like him to sign, please email us beforehand and we will ensure we have copies in. us@redlionbooks.co.uk
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Bookseller Consultation
Bibliotherapy sessions must be pre-booked so that our booksellers can dedicate time to you. You will be sent a questionnaire before your session, and arrange a date to have 30 minutes one-to-one time with a bookseller, over a cuppa. You will leave with a tote bag, a list of recommendations, 1 hardback and 1 paperback book A similar service can happen offline and options are HERE Read more about the power of bibliotheraphy here
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Bookshop Yoga
Yoga with Jamie in the bookshop. All genders and levels of experience welcome. Maximum 6 spaces. Classes involve warm up exercises, breathing techniques, mindful movement, traditional yoga poses (asanas), and end with a guided relaxation. Mats are provided. Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. Jamie has been teaching yoga for 10 years and specialises in inclusive and restorative practice.
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Primary Teacher Event 2026 | April 15th, 6pm
Wednesday 15th April 2026, 6pm
We are hosting a Teacher Event at Red Lion Books as part of the National Year of Reading Our invitation may be best suited to your Literacy Lead but it is open to any educator interested in championing reading. Tickets are free but booking is essential as space is limited. This event is exclusively for teachers in Colchester and will be aimed at Primary Teaching The idea is that you’ll meet us, meet your peers and also meet childrens’ publisher, Dominic Kingston from Hachette who’ll give a short talk about how schools can access free events and activities. Attendees will receive a goody bag and a shopping discount, as well as a glass of wine. -
Saturday Morning Surgery | Weekly drop-in
Weekly half-hour round up. The Saturday Surgery is open!
- Check out this week’s new releases
- Find out out about industry book awards, winners and shortlists
- Have a cuppa with us (bring your own mug)
- Share your book recs
- Take our book advice if needed
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Appetite Book Club (Daytime)
Red Lion Books in association with Appetite Book Club meet to discuss a book on the last Thursday of the month at 11.30am (excluding August and December). £16 booking includes a copy of the book, entry to book club and a hot drink (with a cake or biscuit). We will confirm the venue a few days beforehand. If you don’t require a copy of the book you will receive a £6.99 book token instead. See our previous reads here Evening book club is hosted by Appetite Book Club. Meetings occur on the last Monday and the last Wednesday of each month (over Supper). Email Jo for more information appetite.book.club@gmail.com The same book is discussed at evening and daytime meet ups. “Book only” can be ordered HERE
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Bookshop Soiree May 14th 2026
Author hosts. Shopping discount, goodie bag, welcome drink and a free raffle in person event which is mostly accessible to wheelchair users (the event takes place across 2 floors) Thursday 14th May, 6pm (home BY 8pm)
Philippa Malicka talking about In Her Defence
Philippa Malicka grew up in Chelmsford but now lives in London. She is an alumnus of Oxford University and the Prose Fiction MA at the University of East Anglia. Her first novel, In Her Defence was pre-empted by Hodder in the UK while North American rights were pre-empted by Marysue Rucci at Marysue Rucci Books. In February 2026 it was selected as Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pickJosie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees talking about You & Me & You & Me & You & Me
Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees each had novels of their own published before teaming up to write a series of titles together. This partnership has produces the bestsellers Come Together, Come Again, The Boy Next Door, Love Lives, We Are Family, The Three Day Rule and The Seven Year Itch. Their latest novel, You & Me & You & Me & You & Me publishes in February 2025.Rebecca Anderson talking about Galentines Day
Rebecca Anderson lives in Hertfordshire with her partner and beloved guinea pigs, who she is obsessed with (the guinea pigs, obviously). She is a twin, has a degree in graphic design and is a practising counsellor with too many creative hobbies to list. Her writing explores sex, relationships, friendships and mental health, which she tackles with honesty and humour. -
The Romance Roundtable
The Romance Roundtable Sunday Afternoon, 26th April 2026, 2pm in person (1.5 hours
A panel of authors discussing the rise in the genre
Daisy Buchanan
Daisy Buchanan is an award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster. Her books include the novels Insatiable (long listed for the CWIP prize), Careering (as heard on BBC Sounds), Limelight, and Pity Party. Her non-fiction titles include How To Be A Grown Up and The Sisterhood and Read Yourself Happy She hosts the chart-topping podcast You’re Booked, where she interviews legendary writers from all over the world about how their reading habits shape their work, as well as the Daisy Is…series. You can also hear her on beloved podcasts including Comfort Blanket, Cuddle Club and Crushed. Daisy has also appeared on a number of TV and radio shows including Woman’s Hour, The Today Programme, Soul Music, A Good Read, This Morning and Good Morning Britain. She is a TEDx speaker and has guest presented the Booker Prize for BBC News.Gayathiri Kamalakanthan
Gayathiri is a champion queer and POC storyteller, using workshops and events. They run the poetry workshops WORD-BENDERS at The Common Press Bookshop and Queer Poetry Sauna at Hackney Sauna Baths. Bad Queer is their debut publication – a luminous and romantic verse-novel navigating first love as a non-binary teenager. It draws us deeply into queer friendship, family secrets, and the necessary act of loving yourself.Local authors Ria Alice and Jessica May
Ria and Jessica are two friends from the UK with a shared love of steamy romance novels. Their books contain pop culture references galore, fun, supportive friendships and a spicy relationship to top it all off! -
Cosy Crochet Club
Come and join Loui at the Cosy Crochet Club Suitable for all levels (once you know the basics) we are offering a safe place to crochet together, with Loui on hand to offer help and inspiration. Bring your own project Check in for again for future dates (usually last Friday) INTRODUCTORY PRICE: £5 Loui also runs structured workshops Limited to 8 places