The festive season has arrived at Red Lion Books in Colchester, bringing with it a wonderful lineup of events for book lovers and gift seekers alike.

On November 30th, the bookshop will host Civilised Saturday—a thoughtful response to the chaos of Black Friday. Visitors can enjoy a shopping discount along with a glass of sherry.

Several exciting events are coming up, including author talks with Ian Collins (biographer of Ronald Blythe), Ken Rickwood, and Elly Griffiths. A special highlight is Robert Harris’ appearance at the EA Festival on December 9th. This will be Robert’s only event in Essex, where he will discuss his latest novel, Precipice. You can find more details here.


Upcoming Events at Red Lion Books


Blythe Spirit: Event with Biographer Ian Collins and Ros Green
Friday, 15 November 2024, 7pm
An insightful evening with biographer Ian Collins and Ros Green, exploring the life and work of Ronald Blythe.
Where: The Old Library
Cost: £8


Event with Ken Rickwood
Saturday, 16 November 2024, 11am
Ken Rickwood will be at Red Lion Books, discussing his limited edition historical maps of the River Colne and River Stour. The ticket price is fully redeemable against the cost of the maps. Please note that the event will be held upstairs, which is not wheelchair accessible.
Where: Red Lion Bookshop, Colchester
Cost: £5 (redeemable against map)


Drawn to the Garden with Caroline Quentin
Sunday, 24 November 2024, 2pm
Join Caroline Quentin for an afternoon exploring the beauty of gardens, followed by a delightful book discussion.
Where: Red Lion Bookshop, Colchester
Cost: £15


Civilised Saturday
Saturday, 30 November 2024
Red Lion Books hosts Civilised Saturday—a thoughtful response to the chaos of Black Friday. Visitors can enjoy a special shopping discount along with a glass of sherry, making it a relaxed and festive experience.
Where: Red Lion Bookshop, Colchester


Bookshop Soirée
Thursday 5 December 2024 6pm
A relaxed and festive evening in the bookshop—perfect for book lovers looking to unwind before heading home by 8 PM.
Where: Red Lion Bookshop, Colchester
Cost: £10


Cannibals and Canapes
Wednesday, 12 February 2024 6pm
A captivating author talk featuring a gripping, sinister folktale set in contemporary Cumbria, perfect for fans of authors like Sophie Mackintosh, Angela Carter, and Margaret Atwood. Each ticket includes a signed first edition hardback, a welcome drink, and canapés.
Where: Red Lion Bookshop, Colchester
Cost: £20 (includes book)


Author Event with Elly Griffiths
Friday, February 14 2025, 6:30pm
A special Valentine’s event with author Elly Griffiths features a talk and book signing.
Where: The Headgate Theatre
Cost: £27 (includes book)

For details on all events, visit https://www.redlionbooks.co.uk/events/


Red Lion Books continues to host a variety of literary events throughout the year, offering something for everyone – from historical fiction enthusiasts to garden lovers. Whether you’re attending a signing or just browsing, the bookshop is a cherished hub for book lovers in Colchester.