BRANDON HITS THE UK

One week. Multiple adventures. Countless ways to take part.

Whether you are joining Brandon in person, taking part in the fun from home, or discovering the Cosmere for the first time in bookshops around the country, there is something for every fantasy fan . . .

 

EVENT DATES

Tuesday 19 May: Pembroke College in Oxford – SOLD OUT

The J.R.R. Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature: exploring storytelling, worldbuilding and the craft of writing.

 

Tuesday to Thursday (19–21 May): Forbidden Planet, London

Across three days, Forbidden Planet London will host a dedicated pop‑up celebrating Brandon’s books and worlds.

Expect special editions, signed copies, and merch. Lightning signing SOLD OUT

 

Thursday 21 May: Emmanuel Centre, London
In-person tickets - SOLD OUT
Livestream tickets available here

Presented in partnership with Waterstones

Join Brandon Sanderson in conversation with Joe Abercrombie for a major live event.

 

Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May: MCM Comic Con London

Visit the Dragonsteel stand at MCM Comic Con London and experience Brandon’s worlds on the convention floor.

Across the weekend you will find: The official Dragonsteel stand, Special displays and features, including Lightning Signing

 

Take part: The Mistborn London Passport Quest (Exclusive to London)

Pick up your passport and chart your path across the city.

Travel between London’s bookshops, collecting a stamp at each location as you go. Collect all five stamps to be entered into an exclusive prize draw to win an exclusive Brandon Sanderson prize bundle. 

How it works

  1. Pick up a passport at a participating bookshop
  2. Visit the five participating bookshops and collect your stamp from the signposted location (these should be clearly signposted, but ask a member of staff if you get stuck):
    • Foyles Charing Cross
    • Goldsboro
    • Waterstones Gower Street
    • Forbidden Planet
    • Waterstones Piccadilly
    • Plus an optional bonus stamp at MCM Comic Con
  3. Send photos of your completed passport, clearly showing all 5 seals, to marketing@orionbooks.co.uk by Sunday 31 May 2026
    (Terms and conditions apply. Prize draw open to UK residents only.)

 

Taking place nationwide

 

1.      Exclusive merchandise

To mark Brandon's UK visit, a silver commemorative coin will be available as a free gift with purchase at participating bookshops nationwide.

Available while stocks last. Participating stores include:

Forbidden Planet London

Foyles Charing Cross

Blackwells Oxford

Waterstones Birmingham High St

Waterstones Brighton

Waterstones Cardiff

Waterstones Edinburgh West End

Waterstones Glasgow Sauchiehall

Waterstones Gower Street

Waterstones Leeds

Waterstones Liverpool One

Waterstones Manchester Arndale

Waterstones Manchester Deansgate

Waterstones Manchester Trafford

Waterstones Norwich

Waterstones Nottingham

Waterstones Piccadilly

Waterstones York

Waterstones Cambridge

Waterstones Newcastle


2.     Book Clubs and Quiz Nights

Throughout the week, book clubs hosted by libraries and bookshops across the UK will be celebrating the world of Brandon Sanderson. Events will include special quiz evenings and reader‑led book clubs.  

Events are locally organised and formats may vary, get in touch with your local library or book club for more information.

Want to host your own? 

Email marketing@orionbooks.co.uk and we can send you everything you need to get set up.

 

3. Gollancz Emporium Sale

From now until Sunday 24 May 2026, get 20% off all Brandon Sanderson titles via the Gollancz Emporium! This is our biggest Brando Sanderson sale of the year, and applies to everything including special editions and pre-orders. Shop now and use code BRANDON20 at checkout.

 

 

New to Brandon Sanderson? Start your journey here

If you are new to Brandon’s work, or wondering where to read next, we have you covered with our beginner’s guide to the Cosmere

 

Share the experience and have your say

Follow along and share your experience throughout the week using #BrandonSandersonUK2026

 

We are also running a UK fan survey to learn more about Brandon’s readership. If you can spare five minutes to take part, you will be entered into a prize draw to win exclusive Gollancz books and merchandise.

ENTER HERE

(Terms and conditions apply. Prize draw open to UK residents only)

 

FAQs

 

Do I need tickets for all events?

Some events require tickets, including the London live event and MCM Comic Con – both are sold-out but please refer to partner websites for details.

 

Will Brandon be signing books at every event?

No. Book signing opportunities are limited and vary by event. Lightning Signings will take place at selected locations and appearances only. Please check individual event listings for details.

 

What is a Lightning Signing?

A lightning signing is a short, fast-paced signing session with limited time per attendee. Details will be shared at the event location.

 

Are the venues accessible?

Accessibility varies by venue. Please check directly with the venue or event organiser for full accessibility information.

 

Can I bring books from home to be signed?

Policies vary by event and venue. Please follow guidance provided on the day by event staff. Restrictions may apply to the number and type of items allowed.

 

Will the Gollancz editions be available to buy during the week?

Yes. Gollancz editions of Brandon Sanderson’s books will be available as usual from all major retailers, both online and in‑store, throughout the week and beyond.

 

Can I buy Gollancz editions at events?

Yes. Gollancz editions will be stocked at selected event locations, including Waterstones event at the Emmanuel centre and the Forbidden Planet stand at MCM Comic Con London, while stocks last.

 

Where can I pick up a The Mistborn Passport Activity?

Passports will be available at participating London bookshops and selected event locations while stocks last.

 

Do I need to buy a book to take part in the The Mistborn Passport Activity?

No purchase is required to take part, this activity is open to everyone. You simply need to visit the participating shops and collect stamps. Terms and conditions apply for the prize draw.

 

How do I receive the free commemorative coin?

The silver commemorative coin is available as a free gift with purchase of any Brandon Sanderson book at participating bookshops, while stocks last.

 

Is the free commemorative coin available online?

No. The silver commemorative coin is available in participating physical bookshops only, while stocks last, and only with a qualifying purchase.

 

I am Bookseller and would love to set-up a display, do you have any POS materials?

Yes, we have created materials for the event but we also have title materials and can support with whatever it is you need. Just email marketing@orionbooks.co.uk and you’ll be directed to a member of our team.

 

I’m not a bookseller or librarian, can I host my own book club or quiz night?

Yes! Email marketing@orionbooks.co.uk and we will send you everything you need to get started.

 

Who should I contact if I have questions during the week?

For general enquiries, please email marketing@orionbooks.co.uk. For venue‑specific questions, contact the venue directly.

 

All events, activities, appearances, merchandise and prize draws are subject to availability and change. Terms and conditions apply where stated. Signing opportunities and access may be limited and are not guaranteed, please refer to individual venues for more details. Gollancz reserves the right to amend or withdraw elements of the programme at any time.

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