A host of VIPs, and a very excitable puppy, will be on hand to welcome Waterstones to its new home in York.
The Lord Mayor of York Julie Gunnell will be on hand at the Coney Street store ready to cut the ceremonial ribbon at 11.15am on Saturday, April 26.
Town crier Michael Wood will shout out the news of the shop’s move from its old home on High Ousegate.
Inside shoppers will be invited to sample goodies from the new Café W, which is also offering buy one, get one free on cups of coffee during opening weekend.
Younger readers can head to the children’s department to meet Spot The Dog and see some balloon modelling. There’s a play area and slide for young bookworms to enjoy too.
The move is the start of a busy time for Waterstones, with a signing by international crime writer Jo Nesbo on Monday, April 28.
Visits from authors Patrick Ness and Francesca Simon, and popular children’s book characters The Gruffalo, Miffy, Horrid Henry and Peter Rabbit, are scheduled in the next couple of months.
Full details
Opening day, Saturday, April 26
11am Town Crier heralds arrival of Waterstones Coney Street
11.15am Lord Mayor cuts the ribbon and officially declares the bookshop open
11.30am Spot makes his first appearance with regular appearances throughout the day
1pm to 4pm Balloon-modelling in the children’s department
Monday, April 28
Jo Nesbo book signing from 1pm
Thursday, May 8
An Evening with Patrick Ness from 7pm (Tickets £3)
Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25
The Gruffalo weekend – appearances from the storybook character and fun activities
Saturday, June 7
Francesca Simon book signing from 1pm, plus appearances from her popular book character Horrid Henry throughout the day
Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15
Miffy weekend – appearances from the children’s book character and fun activities