The Penny Readings is our incredibly popular annual event, holding true to a well-established Dickensian tradition. And all still for only a penny.

It’s become one of the most-anticipated events in the lead up to Christmas in Liverpool, and for the ninth year running the Penny Readings 2012 took St George’s Hall by storm, with more festive reading, music, entertainment and cheer than ever before!

The Reader Organisation’s annual all-singing, all-dancing festive end of year bash, supported by Big Lottery Fund and Publiship,  played host to a range of wonderful readings by Liverpool’s very own Cathy Tyson, award-winning Frank Cottrell Boyce and author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Louis de Bernières, bringing literature to life and making Charles Dickens, the man behind the original Dickensian Penny Readings, surely very proud indeed.

Increasing the Christmas spirit even further were Georgina Aasgaard from Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir who provided some marvellous music, and there were star turns from members of The Reader Organisation’s staff, providing more wonderful reading as well as comedy that had the audience rolling in the aisles.

Our festive event for young readers and their families, the Ha’penny Readings, also went down a storm, featuring music, comedy capers, selected readings for the festive season and special guests Frank Cottrell Boyce and Angela Macmillan, editor of A Little, Aloud for Children – as well as a very special appearance from Santa himself.

Read all about the highlights of the Penny Readings 2012 over on our blog.

We’ll see you next year for the Penny Readings’ 10th anniversary!