I had the great luck to get a ticket for UK Meet 2018, which was held in Bristol this past weekend. UK Meet is an event for fans/readers/writers of LGBTQIA+ fiction, and as well as panels and book signings, it’s a great opportunity to meet others familiar with this growing corner of the market. And – most unusually! – it’s held in the UK. Huzzah!

I’d not been to an event like this before, and I had a great time! The panels were really interesting with lots of lively discussions but still retaining that ‘friends in the pub’ kind of feel, which I think is a real selling point for UK Meet (versus e.g. academic conferences, which is the closest thing I can compare it to from my experience). I got to speak with a range of friendly and welcoming people and also~~ picked up a few books (well, it would be rude not to).

The next UK Meet is currently rumoured for 2020. I’d definitely recommend you join their mailing list if you think you might be interested – tickets go quick! I reserved my ticket back in October 2017, to give you some idea, and they were gone not long after.

Maybe I’ll see you there next time!