Sarah Michelle Lynch invites readers to meet over 100 authors in the heart of Leeds and enjoy an unforgettable day of books, banter and ballgowns. (Names of attending authors below; we're still currently adding to this list)
The locale, Leeds Dock benefits from restaurants, bars and hotels, plus retail and leisure facilities. The Armouries Museum (located directly opposite the signing hall) contains the nation’s treasure trove of arms, related artefacts, armour, some items dating back 1,000 years. It is truly unmissable. Keep an eye on what the Armouries itself might be organising that weekend; sometimes they put on outdoor demonstrations.
Ticket Information & Itinerary
VIP Early Entry: 10:00am – 5:00pm (£37.50 + fees)
VIP tickets are limited. This is the ideal ticket for those wanting to avoid queues and who have a few books to pick up/get signed. You get extra time with this ticket, that’s all.
General Admission: 11:30am – 5:00pm (£27.50 + fees)
General Admission ticket holders may arrive at 11:00am in the foyer to have tickets checked and pick up lanyards before doors open for you at 11:30am.
LUNCH 1:00pm-2:00pm – suggested lunch hour.
The hall will remain open but please be aware some authors may be eating and/or away from their tables during this period. Why not make the most of Armouries Square outside which will be busy with picnic tables and food carts, weather permitting. There is a café attached to the museum, a Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local nearby, and a Pizza Express within walking distance of the Armouries.
Venue Information
Website: https://royalarmouriesconferenceandevents.org/
The signing will take place in New Dock Hall. It is an exhibition space separate to the main Armouries building but can be found easily: it is directly opposite the entrance to the Royal Armouries, on the other side of Armouries Square. Everything is ground floor located, no stairs or lift necessary.
The nearest car park is https://citipark.co.uk/car-parks/leeds/clarence-leeds-dock
The nearest railway station is Leeds Station (in the city centre, a 10 or 15 minute walk away).
From the south entrance of Leeds Railway Station, there is a Dutch water taxi that brings you along the river and right to the Armouries. You can find more info here: https://www.leedsdock.com/whos-here/watertaxis/
Nearest hotels: Holiday Inn Express (right next door to event space), Jury’s Inn, Malmaison. You're spoilt for choice in the city centre.
Museum
If you plan to visit the museum while you’re in town, you will need to pre-book but the good thing is, entry is FREE. Click here https://royalarmouries.org/venue/royal-armouries-museum/
Who is permitted entry to the signing?
Everyone at this event will be given a lanyard and required to display it at all times during the event. Your ticket will be scanned before you receive your lanyard. If duplicate tickets are discovered, you will be required to provide ID and owners of the duplicates refused entry. If you misplace your digital or physical ticket, we can check you in with your ticket reference number, therefore it would be useful to make a note of it on your phone/in your pocket book.
Only persons 16 years and over are permitted entry to this event, either as authors, assistants, volunteers, readers or press.
Security will be in force at this event, so keeping your lanyard visible will be important.
Talks
From 4:00pm until 5:00pm, three short author talks will take place in the foyer. Details of topics and which authors will be participating TBC. It will be standing room but we can provide seating for those unable to stand for long. These talks will enable you to better get to know the writers and hear about their writing life. These talks are included in the price of your ticket.
Regency Ball 7.30pm til late
Tickets are £45.00pp (+fees). We can accommodate up to tables of 8. If you have preference as to who you'd like to be sat with, this can be arranged closer to the date.
You will be welcomed by a red-carpet reception, enjoy a prosecco, beer or soft drink on arrival, a three-course meal, then disco til late. Best-dressed will win a bottle of Champagne and cash prize donated to a charity of your choice.
DRESS CODE for the ball: Casual wear is unacceptable, no trainers, jeans, leggings, sportswear etc.
The theme is REGENCY, of course. However, while Regency fancy dress is preferred, ordinary ballgowns/suits are fine.
I will email you nearer the time so you can select your meal options. It will be a set menu but the venue does cater to different dietary requirements.
Our raffle at the evening ball will be raising money for MACMILLAN.
Merchandise
There will be event merchandise available to pre-order direct from the event organiser Sarah Lynch, ready to pick up on signing day. She will only have limited spares available to sell on the day. Look out for more info in our Facebook group.
What will the authors sign?
Most authors will sign whatever you put in front of them, but please be respectful if some of the authors have a limit as to what they will happily sign.
Are the authors happy to take pictures?
Most are, but check first if they are happy to. What you will find, however is that every author is MORE THAN happy to talk books! So please don’t be shy about that. The point of these events is to connect through our shared love of books.
Other Information
Water stations will be available throughout the signing, but SML Literary Events will not be selling food or drink on site. There will be plenty of indoor/outdoor food options around the site.
Author line-up is subject to change. Life happens!
Please wear comfy shoes and be prepared for the room(s) to become warm.
Please don’t bring alcohol into the signing.
Terms and Conditions
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. You can “sell” your ticket on privately at face value if you’re unable to attend, but you must let the organiser know so we can change the name on the ticket.
Over-16s ONLY at the signing due to adult material/adult talks. Over-18s ONLY at the Evening Ball.
How to contact the event organiser, SML Literary Events (Sarah Lynch)
Email - smlpublishinguk@gmail.com
Instagram - @sml_book_events
Facebook - facebook.com/SMLBookEvents
Website - smlevents.wordpress.com
Current line-up:
A K Biggins
Alexandra Silva
Amelia K. Oliver
Andie M. Long
Anna-Maria Athanasiou
Anne Wedgwood
Arizona Tape
AR Thomas
A.S. Roberts
Bailey Grayson
B Crowhurst
Carol Kerry-Green
Charlotte E Hart
Chloë L Blyth
Chris Turnbull
CJ Cooke
Claire Marta
Claire Shaw
Danielle Jacks
Dani René
David E Gordon
Dreia Wells
Eleanor Lloyd-Jones
Elle M Thomas
Emily Bunney
Emma Creed
Emma Luna
Erin O'Kane
Genevieve Jasper
Grace Harper
Helen Bright
Holly Bloom
Holly C. Webb
Jessica Ames
J Rose
J Thompson
Kassandra Cross
Katherine Isaac
Katie Jane Newman
KL Jessop
KL Taylor-Lane
Kris Butler
Kristina Beck
Kylie Kent
L. Ann
L. J. Sealey
L Summers
Lainey Delaroque
Laura Farr
Laura Greenwood
Laura Rossi
Lilith Roman
Lola King
L.S. Pullen
Lucy Felthouse
Lynda Throsby
L.W. Rogers
Madelynne Ellis
Mallory Fox/Lea Jade
Marie Anne Cope
Melody Winter
Mina Carter
Nicola C. Priest
Rachel de Lune
Ren Blakely
Rosa Lee
Sadie Kincaid
Samantha Jayne
Scarlett Cole
Shanjida Nusrath Ali
Shannon French
Sienna Grant
Skylar Shoar
Sophie Blue
Tabitha Rayne
T.F. Webb
T.L. Campbell
T.L Wainwright
Tracey Jukes
Zavi James/Naaz spencer
(correct as of 10/5/22)