You won’t need to go on holiday this year to have a summer of passion, as the UK’s first romance book festival comes to Elstree on Saturday, June 28.
From celebrating romance with famous authors to sipping on book-themed cocktails like Only One Bed, bookworms will fall in love at first sight with the Meetcute festival.
Founded by Bushey resident and author Andi Michael-Forsythe, known by her pen name Lauren Forsythe, the festival is “an equaliser for the top selling genre in the UK”.
Speaking to BUSHEYnews, Andi said: “Romance is a really ignored market, and the festival has helped to build a very relaxed, friendly and warm community of book lovers.”
Panels will include historical romance, soulmates, and romantasy, with industry experts sharing tips on what any future Jilly Coopers need to know.
Championing authors who are trying to break into the industry, the festival is striving to give a platform to people who “aren’t used to getting that support”.
Last year’s inaugural book festival was such a success that it was shortlisted for a London Book Fair Trailblazer award on Monday, February 17.
This year’s Meet Cute, taking place at Home Farm Glamping on Aldenham Road, will once again feature several bookish-themed activities, from nail art to a cupid archery workshop.
Interestingly, the author who inspired Andi to pick up her own pen and write a novel, Sarra Manning, will be part of festival’s Summer Stories section.
While Andi is navigating the festival alongside writing her own novel and setting up a bike business with her husband, she is appealing for volunteers to help on the day.
More information about the festival and how to get involved can be found at www.meetcutecollective.com or Instagram @meetcutebookfest.
Tickets are available now on Eventbrite with a limited 15 per cent discount until the end of March with the code GALENTINES. Find out more and book at www.t.ly/pgrzG
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