@NewhamBookshop
We were at Borough Market selling Catalan books in translation and celebrating St. George / Sant Jordi, the patron saint of England and Catalonia, and of farmers, shepherds and butchers. There’ll be food demonstrations and English and Catalan specialities to see and buy in the Market Hall, together with live music, theatre, folk dancing and storytelling from both the English and Catalan traditions.
We’ll be supporting the romantic Catalan custom of exchanging roses and books with their loved ones. The idea could not be simpler: traditionally men offered roses to women and in exchange for the flowers the women gave books as gifts. Nowadays, both men and women exchange books and roses. This ritual has now become so popular with all generations that 5 million roses and 1.6 million books were sold in Catalonia last year on Sant Jordi’s Day.
Josep Suarez, Head of the Delegation of the Catalan Government to the UK and Ireland said: “Catalonia and England will join forces to celebrate together their common patron St. George. On 24 April Borough Market becomes a meeting point to make Catalan culture and tradition known among English society. I hope you will enjoy with us this romantic day when couples exchange books and roses.”
Keith Davis, Managing Director of Borough Market said: “We are looking forward to throwing open Borough Market’s doors for our annual celebration of St. George’s Day. This very special event reflects our heritage in celebrating the feast of St. George and it is the perfect way for people to come together to eat, relax and enjoy this multi-cultural celebration. We look forward to seeing you there!”
Watch videos of Michael Rosen reading from his collection of poems for adults, Don’t Mention the Children.
Details of the book.
Alex Marshall, author of Republic or Death!, recently talked about his book at The Wanstead Tap, and gave a 15-minute talk on National Pride on the BBC Radio 4 series Four Thought. Click here to listen. Click here for details of the book.
Independent bookshops were recognised by Penguin Random House for their window displays and events celebrating the publication on 14 July of Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. Newham Bookshop won the East of England award for its late-night event at The Wanstead Tap, where the 1962 film of To Kill a Mockingbird was screened before the books were sold just after midnight.