The Dead of Winter with Sarah Clegg

Sarah Clegg takes us on a journey through midwinter to explore the lesser-known Christmas traditions – from English mummers plays and Austrian Krampus runs, to modern pagan rituals at Stonehenge, Wassails and Hoodenings attended by ghastly, grinning horses – to discover how these traditions originated and how they changed through the centuries.

About the Author:

Sarah Clegg has a PhD in ancient history from Cambridge University; she was part of the 2020/21 London Library Emerging Writers Programme.Her first book — Woman’s Lore: 4,000 Years of Sirens, Serpents and Succubi — was published by Head of Zeus and traces a group of seductive, child-snatching demonesses through folklore from ancient Mesopotamian to the present day. It was shortlisted for the HWA Non-Fiction Crown Award 2023. Sarah lives in London and works in publishing.

Key information about booking:

• The event runs from 7pm to 8pm
• The event is suitable for adults and young people aged 16+
• Please purchase a ticket for each person attending.
• There is a charge of £5 per ticket
• Booking is essential, so be quick to avoid disappointment
• Refreshments will be available
• Please arrive 10 minutes early
• Books will be available to purchase on the day, courtesy of Waterstones, Staines

If you have any additional needs or require any special assistance, please let us know prior to the event by contacting (this inbox is managed Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If you are not able to or do not wish to provide us with any contact details (landline or mobile number and email address) you won’t be able to purchase a ticket online. Please visit the library that is hosting the event to purchase a ticket in person.

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