The launch of York’s Big City Read, this year selected as Joanne Harris Chocolat, took place on July 13th and could not have been held at a better location, the atmospheric Castle Museum. In keeping with the theme of Chocolat, delicious varieties of chocolates were offered to the guests, who included representatives of the local Government, the library authorities, local dignitaries from the City of York and Joanne Harris herself.

Joanne was delighted her book was chosen and talked enthusiastically about the big read and the many themed events which are being run in York over the summer. The City of York was thrilled that their first event in the newly refurbished City Library was a rapid sell out.  Joanne read and signed copies of the novel to an enthusiastic crowd of over 200.

York’s initiative in running a wide-ranging series of Chocolat-related events throughout the summer include a course on the art of chocolate making, exploring the fascinating history of chocolate as well as literary events, where children and adults will learn how to write poetry and hear story tellers. All of these events will take place from the 14th of July to the end of September.

The Big Read itself is an innovative way of encouraging reading for everyone and York have purchased 7,500 copies of Chocolat, which will be given away free through libraries, tourist centres and museums in the wider City area.