Waterstones Easter events for younger (and older) readers
Waterstones Nottingham is hosting a day of events for the National Year of Reading 2026, with children’s workshops, a Shakespeare-themed session led by a local expert, and an evening appearance from Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Morning briefing Nottingham
Temperature
8° to 15°C
Rain
Dry today
Wind
Gusts 20 mph
Sunset
19:37
Ride details Good to ride
Recommended gear
- Jacket
- Light layers
Best times to ride
Windy today
- 06 9°
- 09 10°
- 12 13°
- 15 15°
- 18 14°
- 21 12°
Waterstones brings the Year of Reading to Nottingham today, with three events for readers of all ages. The youngest will be treated to the launch of a new children's book, those slightly older finding some comedy in Shakespeare-style insults, and the evening features an Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author releasing their latest novel.
At 11am, Ruby Amy Thompson will be giving a reading from her new picture book, Rock and Roll. She will also talk about how she made the book before encouraging everyone to make their own storybook-worthy duo in a workshop. This event costs £4 for children and £6 for adults.
At 3pm, Kibrina Davey will be having fun with language and presenting some lessons from Thou Spleeny Swag-Bellied Miscreant, a guide on how to create your own Shakespearean insults. Kibrina has a Ph.D. in modern drama, which included studies into Shakespeare, so is well placed to speak the historical context. This event costs £5.
These two events are part of Waterstones' Children's Gala series which is running until the 5th April, with more events for children each day. They also fit into the bookseller's programme running all year for the National Year of Reading. Recent studies suggest a decline in reading among children, which the National Literacy Trust is concerned with. Many booksellers and libraries are running events as part of the efforts to get more people reading passionately.
The campaign isn't limited to children though.
At 6:30pm, Adrian Tchaikovsky will be launching Children of Strife, the fourth in the Children of... series. Adrian will be signing books and taking questions. This event costs £6, or £29 to have the book included.
Waterstones is on Bridlesmith Gate, right next to the Lace Market tram stop. There is also bicycle parking at Lace Market car park nearby.
