A Book Lover’s Feast
Celebrating 30 years of The English Bookshop
Saturday 22 November in Uppsala – book your ticket today!
For three decades, The English Bookshop has been a home for readers, writers, and stories in Uppsala. Now the bookshop celebrates its 30th anniversary with A Book Lover’s Feast – a one-night literary festival bringing together brilliant authors and passionate readers.
On this special night you can listen to favourite authors, discover new voices, and enjoy captivating conversations and interviews.
Authors taking part in the celebration:
— Karen Campbell
— Ann Cleeves
— Charles Cumming
— Ferdia Lennon
— Lisa McInerney
— Sarah Waters
Opening speech by the UK Ambassador to Sweden Samantha Job.
Moderator & interviewer: Pekka Heino and bookshop staff.
Come celebrate the joy of reading – and 30 years of The English Bookshop – in style this November night.
Saturday 22 November 2025 from 17:00 (doors open at 16:00)
at Reginateatern, Trädgårdsgatan 6, Uppsala
TICKETS 350:-
» BOOK YOUR TICKET at the Reginateatern website (or at their box office)
”It all began on a snowy day in an old tannery by the river Fyris, on November 18th 1995…”
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Programme for the evening
16:00 Doors open to Reginateatern. Welcome to mingle and refresh yourself in one of the two bars, or get a bite to eat – enjoy a hearty Irish stew (meaty/vegan options available). Browse our anniversary merchandise in the lobby/foajé.
17:00 Here we go – A Book Lover’s Feast!
• Opening Speech by the UK Ambassador to Sweden Samantha Job
• Author Charles Cumming in a thrilling conversation with Ambassador Samantha Job
18:00 Karen Campbell and Ferdia Lennon in conversation with Stina and Evelina from the bookshop.
• Another blast from the bookshop’s past shared.
19:00–20:00 Book signing with the authors on stage. Bars open – get yourself a refreshing drink or a tasty nibble.
20:00 Another bookshop anecdote from the past, before moderator Pekka Heino leads a conversation with Ann Cleeves, Sarah Waters, and Lisa McInerney.
21:30 Round-up with a final stroll down memory lane, before we turn our gaze towards the future.
This evening’s guests
Charles Cumming
A master of modern spy fiction, Charles Cumming crafts taut, morally complex thrillers that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His novels, including The Thomas Kell trilogy, combine gripping plots with authentic espionage detail. Hear him share secrets behind his pulse‑pounding stories. Charles visited the shop in 2014 for a talk with Kristofer Lundström (and he left a bottle of Russian vodka behind!)
Karen Campbell
Scottish novelist Karen Campbell writes with heart and grit, blending razor-sharp insight into human lives with stories that linger long after the last page. From intimate contemporary tales to tense crime fiction, her books resonate deeply. She’ll reveal what inspires her unforgettable characters. Karen has visited the shop twice – in 2011 and 2014 and her books are much beloved by staff.
Ferdia Lennon
Ferdia Lennon’s debut Glorious Exploits is a riotous, unforgettable journey through ancient history brought vividly to life. His clever, energetic storytelling makes even the past feel thrillingly alive. Expect laughter, chaos, and history like you’ve never seen it. Glorious Exploits was a Book of the Month in February this year at our shops and in our Fiction reading group – and it is a staff favourite!
Ann Cleeves
Ann Cleeves is the queen of atmospheric crime, the mind behind Vera and Shetland. Her novels draw readers into chilling mysteries set against vividly realised landscapes, perfect for fans of intelligent, character-driven suspense. Discover how she keeps readers guessing until the final page. She did a wonderful online event (»link) with the shop during the pandemic, in 2021, and is a big fan of libraries and independent bookshops.
Sarah Waters
Sarah Waters enchants with richly atmospheric historical fiction, exploring identity, desire, and lives lived on the margins. From Tipping the Velvet to Fingersmith, her storytelling immerses readers in worlds both lush and compelling. Don’t miss her insights into these celebrated worlds. Sarah was a guest of the shop in 2015 (after a chance meeting at an Afternoon Tea in London earlier).
Lisa McInerney
Lisa McInerney’s novels, including The Glorious Heresies, are sharp, funny, and vividly Irish. Her bold, character-driven storytelling captures the messy brilliance of life, love, and rebellion in contemporary Ireland. She’ll share her witty, fearless take on the stories that made her famous. Lisa visited the shop in 2017 for a spirited reading (and she and Jan broke a couch during dinner!)
Pekka Heino
Pekka is a great friend of the bookshop – a regular customer and participant in panels on the importance of bookshops. He is also one of Sweden’s most recognisable faces – from television and a plethora of moderated talks. We’re delighted that he’s joining us for the celebration!
Ms Samantha Job CMG MVO
The Right Honourable Ms Samantha Job CMG MVO is His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden and an outstanding patron of the arts. Since her appointment in 2024, she has been a wonderful partner in promoting British literature in Sweden. Her receptions at the residence are the stuff of legend!
You!
Yes, you – our amazing customers and friends of the bookshop. Whether you’re a new acquaintance or have been with us since the humble beginning, we wouldn’t be celebrating 30 years without you. Every day you bring smiles to our faces, share in our love of books, challenge us with your tricky requests, and carry home armfuls of stories. (You also keep us busy with pallets and pallets of new deliveries every week to fill the shelves…).
When we’ve moved shops, you literally carried the literature from the old location to the new – even on Midsummer’s Day! And during the pandemic, your support kept us going and carried us through that ordeal too. You’re simply wonderful, and we’re so grateful to be celebrating this milestone with you. Here’s to many more years together!