Henry Layte, owner of The Book Hive shops in Norwich and Aylsham and their publishing imprint Propolis Books, is busy preparing for the inaugural Mannington Book Bash, starting on Friday. And he says the new event promises to be ‘a very big garden party with a beautiful backdrop’
The Book Hive in Norwich opened in 2009 and the shop in Aylsham opened last year. I was an actor and writer in the theatre for many years before that. The intention of opening the shop was to give me an income after moving back to Norfolk from London which would allow me to keep writing. I had worked in the bookshop at The National Theatre and learnt about bookselling there. I’ve not found much time to write in the last 14 years, however.
When I moved back there were two Waterstones and a Borders in Norwich, but no independent bookshop besides the Jarrold’s book department. Everyone said I was mad to open one, but Norwich seemed the perfect place to make it work with its rich literary traditions as well as very strong sense of community and dedication to independent businesses. Winning an award very quickly – and several more over the following years – was a great validation of all the good stuff Norwich represents.
A lovely building, an excellent book selection and great staff – they are key. In addition, being truly independent – not just thinking you are because you’re not a chain. Being truly independent means developing a unique style and attitude, totally divorced from the industry. It’s key to the Book Hive’s success. The business has grown every year since opening, including during lockdown, so there seem to be plenty of people who think it’s working!
We often host events in Aylsham, but it seemed that North Norfolk in general was missing out on the huge amount of literary events going on in Norwich. When Laurel Walpole asked if I might like to do an event at Mannington it seemed the ideal opportunity to see if we could do something bigger, less stuffy and more attractive to a wide range of people than lots of the usual book-related offerings. Preparations are going well, but it’s extremely nerve-wracking!
Mannington is just perfect for this event. The house and the grounds are stunning, it’s in a perfect location for North Norfolk but not too far from Norwich and it’s just the right size – essentially, it’s a very big garden party with a beautiful backdrop! The family has been so generous in helping it happen too.
The line-up speaks for itself – top name writers across a whole range of genres, most of whom have brand new books out. It will be fun, fascinating and inspiring – with great beer and lovely food.
I’m excited about all the speakers, they are all people I would pay to go and see. I get to interview two heroes onstage – Grace Dent and Louis de Bernieres, whose new books are superb. The novelist AK Blakemore, whose debut The Manningtree Witches came out a couple of years ago and was a sensation, has a new book out – The Glutton – which I read recently and think is easily one of the best books I’ve come across in many, many years. I can’t wait to hear her talk – but everyone will be wonderful!
I will need to lie down in a darkened room for a long time. Partly so I can get the energy to start organising next year’s as soon as possible.
The Mannington Book Bash takes place at Mannington Hall, near Itteringham, Norfolk, NR11 7BB, from October 6-8. 2023. Visit manningtonbookbash.co.uk. The Book Hive can be found on 53 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1HL. Call 01603 219268, email contact@thebookhive.co.uk or visit thebookhive.co.uk.
Featured images – supplied
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