AN independent book shop is hosting a birthday party to celebrate one year of trading on Newquay’s high street.

Clemo Books in Bank Street is opening for a late-night shopping experience with gifts for guests to mark the special occasion on Saturday, December 23 between 6pm and late. It free to attend and not ticketed. 

Clemo Books opened its doors in November 2023 after people supported the venture in a successful Crowdfunder campaign. 

Owner Jaimie Poyner said: “It’s been a whirlwind 12 months, and I feel so grateful to be living my dream of running a bookshop in my hometown. The local community and seasonal visitors have been so supportive of the business and their help has really made a difference in our first year of trading.

“Opening a business in this climate, especially in a seasonal town, was a risk however I think Clemo Books’ customers know the importance of shopping local and the benefits it brings,” Jaimie added. 

Since opening a year ago Clemo Books has hosted monthly author events including Booker Prize nominated Wyl Menmuir, debut author’s Jodie Matthews and Ian Russel-Hsieh and children’s favourites Sarah Tagholm and Naomi and James Jones. 

Clemo Books also hosts a book club, and their community has grown since having the bookshop premises, with their monthly meet ups being a highlight of the bookshop’s calendar. 

Clemo Books has several Christmas events lined up including a yuletide storytelling session with Be Newquay Festival, late night shopping on Friday 29th November and a ghoulish bookshop event from the authors of bestselling book 13 Cornish Ghost Stories on Thursday 19th December. 

Jaimie added: “I urge people to support their local bookshops this Christmas shopping season if they can – unlike some of the online giants we like to have a chat with our customers, host free events that benefit our local communities and pay our taxes!”