Previous Events at books on the walls
Poetry and Storytelling with Anita Howard
Saturday 1st March 2025
2pm – 2.30pm
Anita Howard is a writer, storyteller and actor who lives in Passage West, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Her work features in many publications including HeadStuff, Poetica Review, the Querencia Press Autumn 22 Anthology, the December 2022 Mslexia Moth, Literature Today, and the Boundless 2023 Anthology of the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival.
Anita is a member of the Cork Yarnspinners storytelling group, the Hunter’s Moon Theatre Company and Inkwell Theatre Drama Group in Cork.
She is on X as @AnitaHowardSto1
Our very first event was a truly inspiring afternoon of poetry and storytelling, featuring the immensely talented Anita Howard.
Anita captivated the audience with her powerful poetry and moving narratives, weaving together themes of memory, identity and lived experience with grace and authenticity.
We were so pleased with the turnout and deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to mark this special occasion. Your presence helped create the warm, welcoming atmosphere we envision for books on the walls.
Local Cestrian Author Event
Olivia Merrydale will be reading from her debut book Rosie and the Secret of the Snogard
Saturday 22nd March 2025
2pm – 2.30pm
Olivia Merrydale is an avid reader, who loves nature and storytelling. She has lived in the northwest of England for almost two decades.
Her first novel Rosie and the Secret of the Snogard is part traditional story, part mystery and part a comfy-sort-of-book, which can be enjoyed by children and adults. It was strongly influenced by the coastal landscapes and gardens of the British Isles.
Olivia is also an enthusiastic tea drinker and likes taking photos.
You can find out more about her on her website www.oliviamerrydale.com or on Instagram @oliviamerrydale
“The I Ching - Ancient Oracle of the East” with Terence Moore
Saturday 5 April 2025
2pm to 2.30pm
Terence Moore is an author, who lives in Chester. He has previously co-authored a book on Tibetan Medicine (with a forward by His Holiness The Dalai Lama) – “Heal Your Spirit, Heal Yourself” - and is currently working on a new book, linked to health.
Terence is an acupuncturist and herbalist who has been trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has previously run various courses on a wide range of topics, which has included sessions on how to read the Ancient Chinese Classic – “The I Ching”. On this occasion, he will be presenting a half an hour introduction, with reference to specially recommended books on the topic.
In brief, the I Ching offers us all a simple way to understand how best to navigate the constant changes around us. It is over five thousand years old; in fact, it is the oldest book in the world, and is said to contain within it the reasons for everything.
In our modern world, where we are faced with so many uncertainties, anxieties and concerns, an informed reading of the I Ching can be enormously helpful, inspirational and can potentially offer us a way forward through these troubled times.
Profoundly Mundane with Cameron Elms
Saturday 12 April 2025
2-2.30pm
Cameron Elms is a Wales born poet currently living in Chester. He has worked in mental health hospitals for the last 5 years and is currently studying a master’s degree in mental health nursing. He has written a collection of poetry entitled “Profoundly Mundane”
Profoundly Mundane attempts to capture the absurdity of hope in a sometimes seemingly hopeless world. Colloquial prose meet unexpected beauty in the every day life, in a journey of healing through broadly observational poetry.
There are currently 3 zines, and a book which is in it’s final stages of development.
Reboot Your Soul with Angela Hassall
Saturday 19 April 2025
2pm-2.30pm
For over 40 years, Angela has been a life, soul and business coach. Her path has been rich and diverse which led her deeper into understanding the journey of the soul. She has been a trusted coach to individuals and businesses, bringing light and clarity to their paths. Her methods are unique, blending sound vibration, energy healing, and a deep intuitive understanding of the soul’s journey.
“Reboot Your Soul” is more than just words on paper. It reflects Angela’s personal journey and is a guide for you to rediscover your own. Born from her experiences and insights, this book is for those people who feel they are more than just their earthly presence.
Imagine stepping into the ancient and mystical energy of Chester Cathedral, feeling the vibration of its storied walls, and embarking on a sound healing ceremony that marks the beginning of your soul’s reboot. This book captures that essence, that starting point where we begin to remember our celestial origins.
Local Author Event
Louise Foster will be reading from her debut book The Last Little Pumpkin
Saturday 26 April 2025
2-2.30pm
Having lived in Cumbria and now Chester, Louise has constantly been inspired by her surroundings. Her first children's book, 'The Last Little Pumpkin', features the famous Shot Tower in Great Boughton. With the help of her young daughter's imagination, she has brought to life a charming autumnal tale.
@L.FILLUSTRATION
Local Author Event
Die Booth will be reading from his prize-winning work.
Saturday 17 May 2025
2-2.30pm
Die Booth lives in Chester and likes wild beaches and exploring dark places. His prize-winning work has featured in publications including The Fiction Desk, Firewords, Shoreline of Infinity and anthologies from Egaeus Press, Flame Tree Press, Neon Hemlock and many more. ‘Cool S’ a cursed novella, is out now.
‘365 Lies’ a collection of one flash fiction for every day of the year with all proceeds going to the MNDA, and short story collections ‘My Glass is Runn’ and ‘Making Friends (and other fictions)’ are also available online, along with his novel ‘Spirit Houses’. His latest project is a queer coming-of-age folk-horror novella. When not writing, he co-runs Chester's best (and only!) goth night, Last Rites, with his partner.
You can find out more about his writing at http://diebooth.wordpress.com/ or say hi on Bluesky @diebooth.bsky.social
This event will be followed by an hour of vinyl tunes played by Mark from Last Rites.
Profoundly Mundane with Cameron Elms
Saturday 24th May 2025
2 – 2.30pm
Cameron Elms is a Wales born poet currently living in Chester. He has worked in mental health hospitals for the last 5 years and is currently studying a master’s degree in mental health nursing. He has written a collection of poetry entitled “Profoundly Mundane”
Women’s Book Swap Club
Thursday 29 May, 6-7.30pm
at books on the walls (venue to alternate between Amblongus and books on the walls each month)
SOLD OUT
You are invited to this new book swap club which will take place on the last Thursday of the month. Bring along a book to discuss and then swap with another participant.
Inspired by the Middle East, France and Italy, we will serve some Bread Together specials, hand made slow fermented pizza slices with a variety of toppings. A glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative will also be included in your ticket price.
There are 10 places available in the group.
Please book tickets with either Amblongus or books on the walls, in person or via email hello@booksonthewalls.com or amblongusbooks@gmail.com
“Magazine The Band: A Biography” with Helen Chase
Saturday 31st May 2025
2pm to 2.30pm
Free Entrance
Helen will be talking about her recently published (16 May 2025) book which tells the story of the iconic band formed by Howard Devoto when he left the Buzzcocks. This revised and updated edition brings the story bang up-to-date. Already tired of the thrash and unrelenting nature of punk rock, Devoto wanted to combine the elements of avant-garde and pop. This he did with ‘Shot by Both Sides’, ‘the best rock & roll record of 1978, punk or otherwise’ (Rolling Stone) followed by their first album Real Life.
Three more equally acclaimed albums followed before Magazine disbanded. With unique access to the band and interviews with the great and the good of the 1980s and iconic musicians of today, Helen presents a riveting insight into the world of punk and beyond. Placing the band in the context of the Manchester music scene she explains why the band has such a solid fan-base and why Magazine had decided to re-form for live gigs some 30 years since they first took to the stage.
Helen Chase is an author and biographer. A key element of Helen’s writing is based on her in-depth and personal interviews with band members, managers, record company execs, producers, designers and fans. Helen remains a devoted fan.
Poetry with Oliver James Lomax
Saturday 7 June 2025
2pm to 2.30pm
Free Entrance
Oliver James Lomax is a poet, educator, and trustee of the Working Class Movement Library in Salford. He passionately believes in cultural equality and the power of the arts to enable everyone in society to have a voice.
He has published 5 collections of poetry including ‘The Dandelion Clock’ (2020) and ‘Burial of the Cameo’ (2023) – ‘Dammed fine poems, full of emotional resonance and vivid imagery; the world made fresh to the eye and ear.’ – Ian Rankin
Oliver has written poetry for film and television and in 2019 released his first spoken word single described by Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music) as ‘An unholy hybrid of John Cooper Clarke and Mark E Smith.’ He released his debut album Working-Class Love Poem (Shadrack and Duxbury 2023) which he toured extensively across the UK. More recently Oliver was shortlisted for the Los Angles International Poetry Film Prize. His poems are now taught in schools and colleges.
‘Poems that dance with originality and are tenderly unafraid of love and belonging.’ – Mark Thomas
“Books + Poscas = Murals” with Nikki Pinder
Saturday 14 June 2025
2pm to 2.30pm
Free Entrance
Nikki Pinder is a mural artist and illustrator who creates vibrant nature inspired artworks, fun sticker characters, prints and Posca window drawings including for Brow HQ, Death By Tacos, Ropewalks hotel, Cow in Liverpool, and chalk board drawings for The Storyhouse and Theatre Porto. A career highlight creating illustrated canvases for Lush to be displayed alongside Peter Tatchell speaking in London for Pride.
You can find her paintings at Chester Zoo, Sandy Lane river steps, Caldy Valley bollards, BT cabinets, Shuttle bus SEND classroom, shutters in Ellesmere Port market, and at Good Catch in Crosby.
Her designs have featured on iPhone cases in Harvey Nichols stores, Ed Harcourt records, on River Island clothing, bags, Acupuncture high-top shoes and t-shirts in Japan, in Bido Lito publications, CALM, Qatar Airways, American Greetings, Singletrack, Tortoise and GQ magazines.
Sunday tunes on the walls
World music showcase by Dave Sheekey from Circl8 Radio
Sunday 15 June 2025
3-4pm
Free Entrance
Dave will be playing a curated collection of CDs
Games Night
Thursday 19th June 2025
6-7.30pm
You are invited to a new games night which will take place on the third Thursday of the month. Play one of the board and table-top games at books on the walls or turn up with a favourite from home.
Inspired by the Middle East, France and Italy, we will serve some Bread Together specials, hand-made slow fermented pizza slices with a variety of toppings. A glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative will also be included in your ticket price.
There are 10 places available in the group.
Please book tickets with books on the walls, in person or via email hello@booksonthewalls.com
Tickets £5
Back Up North with Ally Shepherd
Saturday 21 June 2025
(Independent Bookshop Week)
2 to 2.30pm
free, drop-in
Ally Shepherd is a teacher, researcher, writer, and Cestrian.
After a decade overseas, Ally got stuck back in Chester during the pandemic.
She promptly became a born-again Northerner and, probably annoyingly, wanted to tell the world. Documenting her journey to understand herself through the region in which she grew up, she explores questions in her new nonfiction book BACK UP NORTH, such as: Is there still a North/South divide? Was she descended from a Pendle witch?
Why does Liverpool have a slavery museum? What’s with Scouse and Geordie accents? Where are Northern women’s stories in TV, film, and literature? And is it okay to eat chips, cheese and gravy? (Spoiler: The answer to the last question is ‘yes’). Drawing on history, politics, pop culture, and folklore – as well as family stories from Lancashire, and an education in Yorkshire – Back Up North explores the region’s diverse legacy of food, music, literature, dialect, social change and superstition.
For more on Ally's work, see: http://www.alisonvictoria.co.uk/writing
Women’s Book Swap Club
Thursday 26 June 2025
6.00-7.30pm
At Amblongus (venue to alternate between Amblongus and books on the walls each month)
You are invited to this new book swap club which will take place on the last Thursday of the month. Bring along a book to discuss and then swap with another participant.
Inspired by the Middle East, France and Italy, we will serve some Bread Together specials, hand made slow fermented pizza slices with a variety of toppings. A glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative will also be included in your ticket price.
There are 10 places available in the group.
Please book tickets with either Amblongus or books on the walls, in person or via email hello@booksonthewalls.com or amblongusbooks@gmail.com.
SOLD OUT
WriteHereWriteNow will be reading from their debut anthology of short stories
Saturday 28 June 2025
2 – 2.30pm
free, drop-in
WriteHereWriteNow relaunched in January 2023. They are an adult community writing group for people passionate about writing, be it writing for pleasure, penning novels, poems or short stories.
From creative writing prompts to blogging workshops, they all work together to learn and motivate. The group meets once a month at Storyhouse. Writers of all abilities and levels of experience are always welcome to join.
The group proudly released their first anthology of short stories in April 2025, with a follow-up planned for later in 2025.
For more information please contact writeherewritenowgroup@yahoo.com
Women’s Book Swap Club
Thursday 26 June 2025
6.00-7.30pm
At Amblongus (venue to alternate between Amblongus and books on the walls each month)
You are invited to this new book swap club which will take place on the last Thursday of the month. Bring along a book to discuss and then swap with another participant.
Inspired by the Middle East, France and Italy, we will serve some Bread Together specials, hand made slow fermented pizza slices with a variety of toppings. A glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative will also be included in your ticket price.
There are 10 places available in the group.
Please book tickets with either Amblongus or books on the walls, in person or via email hello@booksonthewalls.com or amblongusbooks@gmail.com.
SOLD OUT
Book Signing Event - Andy Day
Thursday 3 July 2025
2 - 2.30pm
books on the walls is delighted to be hosting a book signing for Andy Day's latest book,
Dino Dad: Mystery of the Missing Egg.
Andy Day is the longest serving CBeebies presenter (Andy's Adventures, Andy and the Band) and also the lead singer of Andy and the Odd Socks who have sung at numerous festivals including Glastonbury and Eurovision in Liverpool.
Illustrated by Steven Lenton, multi-award-winning illustrator, originally from Cheshire.
Andy Day's fleeting visit was a wonderful success, with older and younger fans in attendance.
It was such a pleasure hosting Andy, and events like these really highlight what makes our bookshop special - bringing authors and readers together in our cozy space.
Untamed Photography ©️
Local Author Event with Rhian Waller
Saturday 5 July 2025
2 - 2.30pm
Free Entrance
Rhian was born in Lincolnshire, grew up in North Wales, has been a lecturer and occasional freelance journalist in Chester and now works in PR at Chester Zoo.
She also used to work in kitchens, a factory and, for a short time, posed for money (at an art gallery).
She holds a PhD in Critical and Creative Writing. Her first book, Eithe’s Way, was released by The Write Factor, a small publisher.
At the moment, she’s concentrating on not-for-profit writing. Her books are either free or raise funds for good causes. Ship Rats is an animal fantasy adventure set in the 1700s.
It is part of a trilogy charting the voyages of Lu, Rip and Preen, three young rats who end up as accidental stowaways on a Dutch freighter. They face storms, hostile ship rats, drunken sailors and more; and this is only the start of their voyage around the world...Children aged 5-7 may enjoy reading this book with adults. Readers aged 7-9 may enjoy reading independently. This book supports APOPO which trains HeroRATS to save lives.
Visit www.apopo.org
Rhian is interested in almost everything and enjoys writing, reading, martial arts, bushcraft training, travel, live music, hill walking, SCUBA diving and gaming.
Follow Lu the rat on Twitter at @LuSniffy
@RhianWaller
Author Event with Geoff Nelder
Saturday 12 July 2025
2-2.30pm
free entrance, drop-in
Geoff will be reading from his novella, SUPPOSE WE and from INCREMENTAL, a collection of short stories.
Geoff taught at Queen's Park High in Chester but now lives in Greater Manchester. SUPPOSE WE, his 8th book, is a surreal science fiction. The indie press publisher, LL-Publications commissioned Geoff to bring back the sense of wonder, exploration and adventure in sci fi.
He does this by crashlanding a spaceship on a faraway planet. They need help from the locals, but they are a million years ahead of Earth and ignore them. How do they survive and persuade the superior natives to help them?
SUPPOSE WE is as far as we know the only science fiction written by a long-time vegan with a vegan main character on a vegan planet, or at least one free from predators larger than insects!
INCREMENTAL: a small but regular increase in value or worth. It can be decremental too.
These short bursts of fiction are a smorgasbord of the surreal – science fiction, horror, weird or just humorous.
A pothole doubles in size daily. How long before it swallows the Earth, followed by this universe?
A sound is heard all over the world and it is getting louder.
Imagine waking up on the ceiling, or realising that you’re not an amnesiac, but a girl’s imaginary friend.
An asteroid is diverted from closing in on Earth, but it keeps coming back.
A grape-sized meteorite hits a London house at 3:15 every day.
“Some of these stories are more mental than incremental - all wonderful.” Limnisa Writers’ Retreat, Greece.
‘A feast of Kafka-esque incremental tales, to be ‘literally’ devoured one after the other…’ Mark Iles author of the Pride of Lions #1 best-selling sci fi book.
Games Night
Thursday 17th July 2025
6-7.30pm
You are invited to a new games night which will take place on the third Thursday of the month. Play one of the board and table-top games at books on the walls or turn up with a favourite from home.
Inspired by the Middle East, France and Italy, we will serve some Bread Together specials, hand-made slow fermented pizza slices with a variety of toppings. A glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative will also be included in your ticket price.
There are 10 places available in the group.
Please book tickets with books on the walls, in person or via email hello@booksonthewalls.com
Tickets £5
Pearl with Sian Hughes
Saturday 26 July 2025
2 to 2.30pm
free, drop-in
Siân Hughes is a writer who grew up in a small village in Cheshire where her debut novel Pearl is set. Returning to live there after her mother’s death, she borrowed from the medieval poem ‘Pearl’ to write a story set in an old house she cycled past every day as a child.
Her first collection of poetry, The Missing (2009), was longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, shortlisted for the Felix Dennis and Aldeburgh prizes, and won the Seamus Heaney Award. Pearl, her first novel, was longlisted for the Booker Prize 2023. She runs Magpie Books in Malpas.
Sunday Tunes On The Walls
In Conversation with Mike from Grey N Pink Records
followed by World Music Showcase with Dave Sheekey from their station Circl8 Radio
Sunday 27 July
2 - 4pm
Women’s Book Swap Club
Thursday 31 July 2025
6-7.30pm
At books on the walls (venue to alternate between Amblongus and books on the walls)
You are invited to this new book swap club which will take place on the last Thursday of the month. Bring along a book to discuss and then swap with another participant.
Inspired by the Middle East, France and Italy, we will serve some Bread Together specials, hand made slow fermented pizza slices with a variety of toppings. A glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative will also be included in your ticket price.
There are 10 places available in the group.
Please book tickets with either Amblongus or books on the walls, in person or via email hello@booksonthewalls.com or amblongusbooks@gmail.com
SOLD OUT
Poetry with Andy Porter
Saturday 2nd August 2025
2 – 2.30pm
free, drop-in
Andy is a Chester based poet. He started writing poetry consistently in 2020 and has completed over 200 mostly satirical and humorous poems. A Mancunian now living in rural Cheshire, Andy’s observational work has the feel of the unlikely progeny of a liaison between John Cooper Clarke and Pam Ayres.
A scriptwriter, producer and director, he ran his own commercial production company for thirty years. In 2012 he collaborated with his nephew, the playwright, Simon Stephens to produce and co-direct “Sea Wall”, a short film starring Andrew Scott. The film, which has featured in the New York Times, Toronto Star, The Stage Door and on BBC Radio 4’s World at One, has a global fanbase and enjoyed a renaissance during COVID with its central themes of love, loss, faith and hope.
Andy’s debut poetry collection, “Neighbour’s Got a New Hot Tub” was launched on July 24, 2025 by independent Irish publisher, Luain Press.
“These entertaining, high-spirited poems are packed with humour and crafted rhyme. Andy Porter has a natural facility for memorable words, phrases and titles to make you smile” Greg Freeman, Write Out Loud
“Funny, fab images, joyous juxtapositions” Neil Mullarkey, Co-founder, The Comedy Store
“A bloody great poet!” Leon Dunne, All Ireland Poetry Slam Champion 2022
Socials: @andyspangles on Tik Tok or @andyporterpoet on Instagram
Studio
Thursday 14 August
6-7.30pm
You are invited to a creative art gathering which takes place on the second Thursday of the month. Bring along your favourite art materials – absolutely anything counts - be it a stick of chalk, newspaper and glue, pipe cleaners or a canvas and much oil paint – and create in a supportive, collaborative environment.
This is an event for everybody, for dabblers and veterans.
Inspired by the Middle East, France and Italy, we will serve some Bread Together specials, hand-made slow fermented pizza slices with a variety of toppings. A drink is also included in your ticket price.
There are 10 places available in the group.
Please book tickets with books on the walls, in person or via email hello@booksonthewalls.com
BE CRAYJUST: REAL LIFE MOTIVATION BY REAL LIFE PEOPLE is a well-being book of affirmations, all written by children aged 8-15, published and collated by Sharon Corbett.
Be Crayjust with Sharon Corbett
Saturday 16 August 2025
2 - 3pm
Free, drop-in
Sharon delivers life-story themed, well-being workshops to local businesses and community groups, as well as working with schools, colleges and universities on the Picture This project aimed at developing an improved sense of self-worth, self-belief and self-confidence.
PICTURE THIS PROJECT
Devised by Sharon in 2010, Picture This, is a combined arts project integrating photography and creative life-writing to empower young people to consider how they might achieve their ambitions in the future. Using photographs to represent life and story to validate and authenticate their sense of self, pupils participate in a series of creative workshops based around the themes of aspiration, inspiration and motivation. The photographs and stories are then exhibited as framed poster prints at a culmination event held at a local university campus.
Amazed by the standard of work produced in the workshops, Sharon decided to compile some of the writings into a book, to create an opportunity for everyone to feel inspired and motivated by the words of these young people.
‘The pupils thoroughly enjoy being part of the project and this book enables their thoughts and feelings to be made available to a wider audience. Their words are truly inspirational and you would never know they were written by children as young as eight! They write from their hearts with honesty and conviction, and what they say is insightful and encouraging; a future generation filled with hope, with a bright and positive outlook.’ SC
‘My son wanted me to let you know how the project has helped him and motivated him as he has now realised that anything is possible. As his mum I want to thank you as it’s made me want to do what I can for him to aim higher, to help him, and to keep motivating him. From a very socially shy boy who would not speak up when he wanted to take part in things, he now understands what it is he needs to do to aim for his goals; it's no longer I can't, but I can.’ CC
The affirmations in this book are linked to the opportunity of discovery; not just of the people we have been or are now, but of the people we will become. They instil a sense of continuation, encourage a realm of future possibilities and remind us that opportunities for success and achievement are available to all of us. When we think about our life events with some purpose, we quite naturally discover ourselves. Where will your story take you now?
During this event, Sharon will share some of her insights from the Picture This project and her book and also include visitors in some of the activities from the creative sessions, along with the opportunity to write their own affirmations.