Once upon a time, a love of romance novels sparked something magical in a Bushey resident. This became Meet Cute, the UK’s first romance book festival. Its founder, Andi Michael, is now writing its most exciting chapter yet.
The past year has been a whirlwind for Andi, who has been busy “working on making the festival even bigger and better in 2026” and collaborating with more publishers and agents.
Behind the scenes, Andi has also been writing her own story – quite literally.
Speaking to BUSHEYnews, she said: “Personally, as an author, I’ve been working on a book that has been bought by publishers in the UK and US, which will be out in February 2027.”
If that wasn’t enough, she’s also about to welcome a baby boy and will be hosting Meet Cute this July with “a baby in a sling.”
On Saturday, July 4, this year’s festival promises something for every romance reader, with main stage panels covering everything from rom-com and historical romance to romantasy, magic, myth, and young adult.
New and returning stages, hands-on workshops, and interactive games are all designed to bring people together because, as Andi puts it: “Reading, as much as it’s a solo activity, is also a really community-based hobby.”
Romance, Andi believes, is having its moment.
She explained: “The world is a bit of a scary and serious place right now, and finding joy in things is definitely becoming more accepted.”
And that, she says, is exactly what Meet Cute is: “Joyful”.
The festival will take place at Home Farm Glamping. Find out more at www.meetcutecollective.com/
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