January Events At Backstory
Look ahead toward the New Year with our January events line-up
AS THE SONG GOES: “Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same. What are you doing New Year's?” Except rather than New Year’s Eve, we’re talking about a bit later in the month. Specifically, the last three Wednesdays, when we welcome our first round of authors in.
Who says a ticket for an author event can’t be a Christmas gift for the booklovers in your life?
Whether you’re getting a jumpstart on January plans or still searching for that perfect gift for someone, check out our fantastic lineup of authors below.
-Darby
Need Christmas ideas?
Browse our Christmas gift guide, or pick one up in the shop. Packed with ideas for adults and children, the team’s favourite books of the year — and lots of information about our Backstory book subscriptions, which make brilliant gifts.
Remember that you can order anything in the guide (and lots more) from our website with free delivery anywhere in the UK.
January Events Line-Up
Poetry Open Mic Night at Backstory - Friday 10 January, 7:00 PM
For our local poetry lovers, we host an open mic night that happens the second Friday of the month, every other month. Our upcoming one is 10 January, and we'd love to see you there! Whether you want to share your writing or just listen to our talented local wordsmiths (and maybe have a glass of wine or two), it's always a lovely evening and a great way to meet other creatives.
This is completely free, and there's no need to book in advance. Sign-up is at the door for those wanting to read, and we welcome prose, poetry, or any other form of writing you'd like to share!
Miranda Sawyer at Backstory - 15 January, 7:30 PM
From Oasis to Radiohead to Blur and so many more - Who doesn't love 90s Britpop? We're thrilled to welcome Miranda Sawyer to Backstory to discuss her book Uncommon People, where she picks out twenty key songs from the era, delving into the surprising stories behind them and their unlikely creators. With amazing new interviews, and I-was-there insights, this book offers a backstage pass to all the most interesting bits of Britpop's Greatest Hits.
Polly Barton at Backstory - 22 January, 7:30 PM
Join Polly Barton, the translator of Butter, for a conversation about the art of translation and Asako Yuzuki’s phenomenon. One of our top-sellers of the year, Butter tells the story of a female gourmet cook and serial killer, as well as the journalist intent on cracking the case.
Simon Jenkins at Backstory - 29 January, 7:30 PM
To finish up January, we're welcoming historian Simon Jenkins to talk about his latest book, A Short History of British Architecture. By taking us on a journey through history, from prehistoric Stonehenge to the lofty towers of today, Jenkins shows that everyone is a consumer of architecture and makes the case for the importance of everyone learning to speak its language.
Join our club
Want to have more Backstory in your life? Why not:
Join our fiction or non-fiction book clubs, which meet every month on Zoom with each book’s author. We’ve heard from winners of the Pulitzer, Nobel and Women’s prizes, and big names like Patrick Radden Keefe, Caleb Azumah Nelson and Christina Lamb. Join for £15 a month or come to a one-off session for £16.
Take out a Backstory book subscription, tailored to each individual recipient. These start from £60 for three months (or £45 for kids) and make brilliant presents.