Newcastle's first romantasy festival, Once Upon a Tyne, took place this weekend, bringing together authors, readers and bookish businesses in a packed day of stalls, talks and cosplay.
The event, held on Saturday and Sunday, featured book stalls, merchandise, bakes, cosplay, authors and readers, along with author talks, cosplay events, raffles, quizzes and the Once Upon a Tyne Trials. Visitors travelled from as far away as the USA to attend.
Meeting authors and bestsellers
Attendees had the chance to meet number one Amazon bestselling dark romance author Sadie Kincaid, who has a personal connection to the North East and was thrilled to meet more northern writers and readers. Kincaid also attended an author signing at local bookshop Sinful Spine on Friday evening, where her newest mafia romance, King of War, was available in a special edition.
Other authors present included Deliah Synn, a Californian dark romance author excited to visit Newcastle, and Dani Elias, whose stories focus on British small towns and female protagonists who break stereotypes. A dedicated northern section showcased local authors such as Ellie White, Wren Willoughby, Carrie McGovern and AJ Victoria, whose writing highlights northern protagonists and settings.
Community and local businesses
The festival also featured local businesses, including Literature Stitches, a Sheffield company creating book, TV and movie inspired clothing, and Little Twins Bakery from Whitley Bay, which sold homemade cupcakes, brownies and cookies. Quinn's Retreat, a local charity supporting families who have lost someone due to mental health or suicide, sold knitted kindle covers, coasters and donated books.
Rituals Revived Tarot Readings and Apothacry offered wax melts, while Fae Candle Co. sold mythology-inspired products. The Hidden Library, a preloved book seller, also had a stall.
Visitors had another full day of different authors on Sunday, alongside more goodies, panels and quizzes. The festival is hoped to return next year, with attendees already planning to book every talk and event possible.
