Medina Bookshop

Upcoming events at Medina Bookshop

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Tom Bright

Tom Bright is a relentlessly touring songwriter whose songs land with emotional weight and unvarnished honesty. 2025 saw him make his third television appearance on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live, serenade thousands at his fifth Glastonbury Festival, and sell out shows across the UK and beyond. Armed with a guitar signed by Johnny Marr of The Smiths and John Squire of the Stone Roses, Bright’s tireless graft has seen him hit iconic heights of the London Palladium, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, appear on BBC’s The One Show and Sky News, and record countless live sessions and interviews for BBC Radio 2, 5 Live, Radio X and more. Along the way, he’s shared stages with The Libertines, Mystery Jets, Tom Grennan, Reverend & The Makers, Katherine Priddy, Ed Harcourt and others. He has collaborated with The The, earned continued support from tastemakers Guy Garvey and John Kennedy and spent two years on Spotify’s Most Beautiful Songs in the World playlist with ‘If I Met Your Shadow’. In May, Tom released Young Old Bloke, a collection of early songs produced by Mick Jones (The Clash) and Dirty White. He has three previous albums in the world — all produced by Ed Harcourt.

Sat 6 Jun20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

An Evening Of Old Songs Sung By 'Soft Lap'

‘I have fallen so completely in love with this book… just one of the finest, most covetable things around’ Katherine Rundell Best-selling historian and author Amy Jeffs, musician Natalie Brice and illustrator Gwen Burns have created Old Songs, a reimagining of ten traditional British ballads. Each artist applied her primary trade: word, music and image respectively, but each also influenced the others’ work. In this live performance, Amy will offer historical insights and readings from the stories, while Gwen will showcase animations created from the illustrations and Natalie will lead them both in mesmerising sung renditions of the earliest known melodies of the ballads themselves. Old Songs fuses short stories, histories, lyrics and illustrations in an enthralling reimagining of traditional folk ballads. Sunday Times Bestselling historian Amy Jeffs and Illustrator Gwen Burns combine forces to create a rich compendium, singing of travel, mystery, magic and the essential urges of humanity. Featuring iterations of fairy tales and sinister descendants of Greek myths and bible stories, as well as a cast of lesser-known characters with names like Tam Lim, Child Wynd and Maisery, Old Songs threads a tapestry of Britain’s landscape, history and cultures.

Thu 18 Jun20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

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An Evening In The Company of Amy Jeffs

Dr. Amy Jeffs is an author, artist, and medievalist whose work delves deeply into the art and culture of the Middle Ages. She completed her PhD in Art History at the University of Cambridge, where she co-convened a research project on medieval pilgrim souvenirs in collaboration with the British Museum and also worked extensively with the manuscript collection of the British Library. Now based in Somerset, Jeffs brings her scholarship to life through a unique fusion of words and images, illustrating her own books with linocuts, wood engravings, and paper cut-outs. Her debut, Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain, became a Sunday Times bestseller, was shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year, and was named a Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year. Her second book, Wild: Tales from Early Medieval Britain, explores ancient conceptions of wilderness through medieval tales of exile, monsters, and the natural world. This was followed by Saints: Legends of Heroes, Humans and Magic, and most recently Old Songs, a collection that reimagines fairy tales and reawakens shadowed descendants of Greek myths and biblical stories. Featuring figures such as Tam Lin, Child Wynd, and Maisery, Old Songs weaves a vivid tapestry of Britain’s landscape, history, and culture. Across its pages, elf queens abduct poets at the foot of hills we can still climb today; rivers of blood run beneath their worlds.

Fri 19 Jun20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Festivals & EventsTalks & Lectures

Lucy Lapwing author talk 'Love is a Toad'. Part of the IOW Biosphere Festival

Most of us love nature; it’s a great source of fascination, comfort and awe. But we’re living in a time of great loss, witnessing decline of biodiversity all around us. In her talk, Lucy will explore this two sided coin, exploring our relationship with the natural world, along with plenty of nerdy wildlife encounters. Love is a Toad Nature makes us feel things. It sparks awe, curiosity and a sense of beauty and community. But as wildlife around us declines and disappears, murkier feelings rise up: guilt, detachment and fear for nature’s plight. For many years, Lucy Lapwing wrestled with these tangled emotions. So, in an attempt to make sense of this dance between joy and grief, she decided to go on a journey. In Love Is a Toad, Lucy traverses meadows, bogs and hedgerows with her fellow nature enthusiasts, where she digs down into our relationship with the natural world. Over the course of a year, she meets bucketfuls of wildlife – Blackbird and Oak, slugs and puffballs, waterlilies, Dung Beetles and toads – as she roams across the UK. From a river swim to wanders through woodlands, with every journey, Lucy explores how nature makes us feel, from wild grief and anger through to soaring joy and indefatigable hope.

Mon 29 Jun20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Festivals & EventsNature & Outdoors

An evening with the Wight Nature Fund (part of the IW Biosphere Festival)

The evening will begin with an introduction to WNF and its current focus, Mill Copse, a beautiful site just south of Yarmouth and the only land presently under the charity’s care. You’ll then hear about traditional hedge laying and the Isle of Wight Tree Warden Network, highlighting the importance of practical conservation skills and community involvement. After a short interlude, we will showcase WNF’s publications, including Yarmouth and Shalfleet: Coastal Town and Country Parish, as well as a preview of an exciting new book in progress exploring the trees of the Isle of Wight. With musical interludes throughout, the evening will conclude with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how you can support local conservation efforts. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, interested in local history, or simply curious about the natural environment around you, this promises to be an inspiring and informative event. Welcome to Wight Nature Fund https://iwbiosphere.org/biospherefestival

Thu 2 Jul20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

Around £15

Shep Woolley With Tim Walker

As part of the vibrant Cowes Week celebrations, legendary shanty singer Shep Woolley comes to Medina Bookshop for a special evening of maritime music and storytelling on Sunday 2nd August at 7pm. A towering figure in the folk and maritime music world, Shep Woolley has spent decades keeping the tradition of sea shanties alive, performing across the UK and beyond with his unmistakable voice, warmth, and wit. A former fisherman and lifelong sailor, Shep’s deep connection to the sea shines through in every song, earning him a devoted following and a reputation as one of Britain’s finest interpreters of traditional maritime music. Joined by acclaimed fiddler Tim Walker, Shep will perform a stirring selection of traditional sea shanties, folk songs, and seafaring tales guaranteed to transport audiences to the age of sail. Expect rousing choruses, heartfelt ballads, and plenty of humour in an intimate concert celebrating the Isle of Wight’s rich nautical heritage. Sunday 2nd August, 7pmTickets: £15 — early booking recommended.

Sun 2 Aug20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Free! (worth double-checking)

Talks & Lectures

Meet The Author With Des Pawson And Katie Daysh

Internationally renowned knot specialist Des Pawson has devoted his life to the art, history, and practical craft of ropework. Founder of the famous Knot Museum and author of numerous books on knots, sailors’ ropework, and maritime traditions, Des is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on nautical knotting and decorative rope craft. His work has preserved centuries of seafaring knowledge for new generations of sailors, historians, and enthusiasts alike. Katie Daysh has earned acclaim for her vivid and unconventional historical fiction set during the Age of Sail. Blending rich maritime history with sharp characterisation, adventure, wit, and modern sensibility, her novels breathe fresh life into the world of wooden warships, privateers, and ocean voyages. Her work has attracted readers from both the historical fiction and maritime communities, establishing her as an exciting new voice in nautical storytelling. Entry is free. Join us for an informal evening of conversation, books, and maritime history in the heart of Cowes.

Tue 4 Aug19:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Talks & Lectures

'There Is No Second' - Talk by by Magnus Wheatley

Join acclaimed maritime writer and historian Magnus Wheatley for a fascinating talk on his book There Is No Second, exploring the dramatic origins of the America’s Cup—the oldest international sporting trophy in the world. Wheatley brings to life the story of the very first race in 1851, when the schooner America stunned the British fleet off the Isle of Wight, forever changing the course of competitive sailing. With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, he uncovers the personalities, rivalries and innovation that defined this pivotal moment in sporting history. At the heart of the story lies the famous declaration, “There is no second,” a phrase that captures the uncompromising spirit of elite competition and the enduring legacy of the race. This talk offers a compelling insight into ambition, ingenuity and the birth of a global sporting phenomenon—perfect for sailing enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone captivated by stories of bold challenge and triumph on the open water.

Wed 5 Aug20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

'East Cowes Shanty' singing songs of the sea for Cowes Week

Celebrate Cowes Week with an evening of rousing sea songs and maritime tradition as East Cowes Shanty bring their unmistakable energy to Medina Bookshop. Known for their rich harmonies and spirited performances, this much-loved local group will transport you to the high seas with a collection of traditional sea shanties and nautical favourites. Expect tales of adventure, hardship and camaraderie, all delivered with warmth, humour and plenty of audience participation. Set in the intimate surroundings of Medina Bookshop, this special concert offers a unique chance to experience the sounds of the sea in the heart of Cowes Week festivities. Come along, join in, and let the rhythm of the waves carry you away.

Thu 6 Aug20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

Around £15

Newberry & Verch

Internationally celebrated transatlantic duo Joe Newberry and April Verch bring their rich blend of Appalachian and Canadian folk traditions to Medina Bookshop on Sunday 6th September at 7pm. Hailing from the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, Joe Newberry is a renowned old-time banjo player, singer, and songwriter whose deep, soulful voice and masterful musicianship have made him a favourite on the American roots music scene. A longtime champion of traditional Southern music, Joe’s performances are steeped in the stories, rhythms, and spirit of the American South. From Ottawa Valley in Canada, April Verch is one of the world’s leading exponents of Canadian fiddle traditions. Raised in a region famed for its distinctive fiddle style and stepdancing heritage, she combines dazzling fiddle playing, expressive vocals, and champion-level stepdancing in performances full of vitality and charm. Her music draws on generations of rural Canadian tradition while bringing a fresh and contemporary energy to the stage. Together, Newberry and Verch create an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping fiddle tunes, old-time melodies, heartfelt ballads, and captivating storytelling — a joyful musical journey across the folk traditions of North America. Sunday 6th September, 7pm Tickets: £15

Sun 6 Sept20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

Jon Wilks

Jon Wilks is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and fingerpicking guitarist whose music is steeped in English folk traditions, memory and place. Hailed as “one of the driving forces of the London folk scene,” he first made his name reworking traditional songs from Birmingham and the Midlands, before turning toward deeply personal, autobiographical writing on his later releases. His albums trace a journey from regional storytelling to intimate reflection, with 2023’s Before I Knew What Had Begun I Had Already Lost earning widespread praise, and 2025’s Needless Alley marking a striking shift into original material. In early 2026, he released BONES, a companion collection of demos, outtakes and live recordings — raw, fingerpicked and beautifully unpolished — capturing the quiet spaces between his studio albums. A former journalist and founder of Tradfolk.co, Wilks brings a keen storyteller’s eye to both his songwriting and his performances. Whether on record or on stage, his work is rich with atmosphere, history and the echoes of lives lived. “Pulls off that niftiest of tricks – paying due homage to the traditions whilst sounding original and contemporary.” — Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show“Jon Wilks is the real deal. He has a deep love for folk music which is coupled with intelligence, curiosity and musicianship. He is a fine guitar player, a really good singer and an excellent writer to boot.

Fri 16 Oct20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

Chan Reid

Chan (Sian in gaelic) Reid is an Irish sean nos singer and celtic fiddle and concertina player from Dublin now living in Hastings. Chan performs her own songs about love, loss and everything in between as well as rare and unusual unaccompanied songs from the celtic and appalachian traditions and guests regularly on Irish television and radio. Chan is a sought after singing and instrumental workshop leader and loves sharing songs and stories in quiet, acoustic spaces. Chan was awarded “saothar” living composer status by the Irish Arts Council in 2024 and her original works can be found in the Irish Traditional Music Archive here www.itma.ie/saothar/sian-reid/

Wed 21 Oct20:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

Detta Kenzie

DETTA KENZIE is an indie-folk singer and songwriter whose music, while often touched by traditional Celtic folk influences, is guided by a thoroughly modern and independent spirit. Her sound blends the richness of folk storytelling with elements of soul, cinematic minimalism and leftfield pop, creating music that is emotionally expansive, intimate and unmistakably her own. Her songs are threaded with themes of transformation, survival and renewal. There’s a quiet spellcasting in her work, pulling listeners into a sonic world shaped by a love of language, a skill honed during her years as a secondary English teacher. In 2025, she began a creative partnership with award-winning guitarist Chris Cleverley. Together they are crafting a sound that feels both grounded and dreamlike, combining intricate, genre-crossing guitar work with immersive arrangements and a shared instinct for musical storytelling. Their collaboration spans co-written songs and bold reinterpretations of folk material, expanding the boundaries of acoustic music.​ Detta has opened for folk greats Martin Simpson and Phil Beer, and collaborated with celebrated artist Tobias ben Jacob.

Fri 6 Nov19:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

Community

Simon Kempston

Join us at Medina Bookshop for a captivating evening with Simon Kempston, hailed as “one of Scotland’s very best songwriters.” Based in Edinburgh, Kempston is a composer and master of fingerstyle guitar, known for a distinctive, intricate playing style that draws on classical, Celtic and blues influences, paired with rich, powerful tenor vocals. His songwriting is both poetic and thought-provoking, ხშირად stepping beyond traditional themes to explore political and social ideas, as well as inspirations from architecture, travel and literature. His lyrics stand as compelling works in their own right, matched by music of remarkable depth and sensitivity. A seasoned performer with over a decade of international touring behind him, Simon’s live shows are renowned for their intensity and emotional connection. His latest album, My Dreams Are Theirs (2024), is his most direct and heartfelt work to date, while his recent classical release Moonrise Over Mostar reveals yet another dimension to his artistry. Immerse yourself in an intimate bookshop setting and experience a truly unique Scottish voice — an evening of beautifully crafted music that promises to transport and inspire.

Mon 23 Nov19:00Medina Bookshop

via Medina Bookshop

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