BA reveals initial plans for 2023 Bookshop Day, including Manchester spotlight

The Booksellers Association (BA) has revealed the initial plans for Bookshop Day, the annual celebration of bookshops across the UK and Ireland, taking place on 14th October.

This year’s theme is "Bookshops Bringing People Together" and celebrations will include a spotlight on Manchester and its bookshops, a video featuring high-profile authors in support of bookshops, a limited-edition bag and more. Around the country, bookshops will be celebrating with their customers and authors, with events taking place in-store as well as special offers, promotions and exclusives.

The video, which will show authors talking about why they love bookshops and encouraging consumers to choose bookshops, will be shared across social media on 11th October. Meanwhile, the 2023 Books Are My Bag Limited-Edition Bag, designed by Poonam Mistry, will be available exclusively from bookshops starting from 14th October.

There will be murals celebrating bookshops in Manchester’s city centre, created by local artists Danielle Rhoda and Maisy Summer in collaboration with Jack Arts. In addition the artwork for this year’s Bookshop Day campaign has been commissioned from illustrator Michaela Dias-Hayes.

Emma Bradshaw, head of campaigns at the BA, commented: “Bookshops bring people together throughout the year, every year. This Bookshop Day we want to remind consumers that their local bookshop is more than a retail space. It’s a place that creates and facilitates conversation; it’s a safe space for people who may feel lonely or marginalised; it’s a place to gather with friends, to meet authors, for children to listen to stories, and occasionally even a place to spark romance.

"Of course, your local bookshop is also staffed by experts who can help with recommendations and get you started on your gift shopping, as Bookshop Day marks 10 weeks until Christmas.”

Details of Bookshop Day events taking place across the country can be found on the Books are My Bag Facebook events page.