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A Warkworth designer, who is an avid reader and loves staging events, is combining her passions to organise new themed experiences for fans of two best-selling book series.
Jess Brown is basing her Events for Book Lovers on the ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ fantasy romance books by Sarah J. Maas and J. K. Rowling’s classic Harry Potter series.
There will be A Court of Dreams evening on November 9 and a Hogwarts Christmas on December 14, both of which are aimed at adults and teenagers, plus a family Harry Potter daytime event on December 15.
All three events will be staged at the historic Masonic Hall in Baxter Street, Warkworth, which Brown, who has a degree in spatial design, promises to transform into a magical space.
“We’re trying to bring an enchanted atmosphere with lighting, music and décor,” she says.
“I’m hoping people will be impressed and transported when they walk into the hall – I’m aiming for it to be quite different and special, and not what they would normally expect.”
Guests will be welcomed with themed cocktails or mocktails, followed by a dinner with grazing platters by The Village Picnic in Matakana and themed desserts from Warkworth’s Bam’s Bakery.
There will also be an MC to lead questions and discussion on the books, as well as the chance to be creative and craft an item to take home, plus a few surprises.
Brown says she got the idea to stage the events after being made redundant, when Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People, had its funding stripped by the government earlier this year.
“I love doing events and also love book or movie experiences,” she says. “I have a bit of time on my hands now and, with the cost of living and people losing jobs, I thought the chance to escape into a different world with a fun, joyous evening would be welcome.
“After all, that’s what books really do, they transport you to a different place.”
She says Warkworth Library and Paper Plus were getting behind the events by stocking and displaying the relevant books, and she was being supported by many other businesses and organisations supplying local products and expertise.
Tickets cost $95 for each evening event or $80 for 12 to 18-year-olds, while the Christmas at Hogwarts family day costs $15 per child, with adults and babies free. There is also a Court of Dreams weekend retreat option for anyone visiting from outside the area.
Info and tickets: https://linktr.ee/archiveofdreams
