Two Harrogate sisters who were initially hit hard by lockdown say their literary lunches business has bloomed in the last year.
Sibh Megson and Beth Hocking set up Gliterary Lunches in 2006 out of a love for good books, food and company.
The pair took their unique events to cities across the country to work with authors like Lionel Shriver, Jodi Picoult and Tony Parsons.
Coronavirus hit the events industry hard this year but Gliterary Lunches moved online to lift peoples’ spirits.
Initially free to attend, the Gliterary Lunch Hour raised £3,600 for the charity MIND.
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Authors and customers have gotten involved from around the world including New York, Sydney Singapore and Stockholm.
Sibh said the attendance has grown rapidly since the first online events:
“Having to cancel our spring programme of events meant we needed to find new ways to keep the business buoyant and our customer base close.
“Our first paid-for event in September was for 100 people, and we are now hosting over 300 which is a rapid growth in numbers.
“Authors are delighted with the opportunity to talk to readers as they can’t attend the usual round of promotional events.”
Beth added that the events are no longer limited in any way:
“We have been pushed to be more creative and think outside the box, and get to grips with the technology.
“We are no longer limited by geography or capacity, and our corporates are now able to entertain their clients from all over Europe.
“We’re very aware how the situation is hitting businesses hard and we’re mindful just how lucky we are.”
Tickets cost £10 per person to attend the Gliterary Lunches or £35 per person, which includes a bottle of Prosecco, chocolates and a signed copy of the book.
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