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October 05.2025

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Join Award-Winning Author Claire Fayers on Bookshop Day in Chepstow

Smiling woman in Chepstow for Claire Fayers Bookshop Day.

Celebrating Local Bookshops with Claire Fayers

Award-winning children's author Claire Fayers is set to kick off a special bookshop tour in Chepstow on October 11, coinciding with the annual Bookshop Day. This day celebrates the importance of local bookshops across the UK and Ireland, spotlighting their role as cultural and community hubs.

Bookshop Day: More Than Just A Celebration

Bookshop Day, established in 2016, is not just an event; it’s part of the broader Books Are My Bag campaign, which seeks to advocate for independent book retailers year-round. The day highlights the enduring value that bookshops bring to their communities and the economy. Fayers, known for her captivating titles like Welsh Giants and Ghosts and Goblins, will begin her journey at Chepstow Books, continuing on to other locales such as Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye.

Meet the New Ambassadors

This year, Bookshop Day introduces four new ambassadors, including Fayers, actor Hugh Bonneville, academic Emily Zobel Marshall, and poet Simon Lamb. Their involvement means an even stronger advocacy for the literary community and the importance of local bookshops. Fayers shared her excitement, stating, "I have made so many new friends through my local bookshops; they are real community hubs.”

Artistic Touches Enhance Bookshop Day

The day will also feature unique designs by award-winning illustrator Ashwin Chacko, recognized for creating both the Bookshop Day tote bag and campaign artwork. Sheffield has been designated as this year’s spotlight city, with the unveiling of two literary murals that celebrate the connection between arts and literature—a testament to the creative influence of bookshops in local areas.

Community and Cultural Impact

Emma Bradshaw, Head of Campaigns at the Booksellers Association, emphasizes that Bookshop Day is about celebrating the essential role of bookshops in local communities and their contribution to the national economy. The event not only brings together authors and readers but also fosters a community spirit that enriches the entire region.

Participate in the Celebration!

Mark your calendars and support your local bookstores this October. Join Fayers in celebrating not just the joy of reading but the vibrant community that comes together around local booksellers. Whether it’s attending signings or simply exploring your neighborhood bookstore, there’s so much to be gained from these unique literary experiences!

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