After a successful gathering of Viking reenactors at Moorforge, the Cumbrian site is bringing another slice of Nordic culture this time with a nine day event.

A Jólabókaflóðið (Christmas Book Flood) is Iceland’s tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve.

After unwrapping their gifts, Icelanders pop on their pyjamas, hug a hot chocolate and settled down to enjoy their new book.

Every autumn, a book bulletin is published with ideas for Book Flood gifts.

The Moorforge Book Flood event will bring the traditional autumn book bulletin to life with a nine-day event during October half-term.

There will be a deluge of books available to buy as gifts and with lots of genres covered including crime, history, feminism, mental health, mythology and fiction by authors who range from Times bestsellers to self-published debut writers.

There is something for everyone.

Book Flood organiser Steve Wharton said, “At Moorforge we celebrate craft and our area’s Norse heritage. We’re overwhelmed by the range of writers who will be coming to talk about their craft in our longhouse. 

“We live in a special part of the world characterised by strong community spirit. At the Book Flood, international-selling authors will be manning the stalls, helping to sell independently published books.

“We hope that by hosting the Book Flood market in our longhouse, we will help make Christmas shopping an enjoyable and memorable experience, whilst also promoting some incredible authors and a love of reading.”

Authors with will be giving free talks each day from 12-6pm and will be on hand to write a special dedication to lucky Book Flood gift recipients.

There will be children’s stories and activities each morning at 11am. Some of the evenings will be filled with films, music, stargazing events and the launch of an audiobook narrated by cult musician, John Otway.

Easy to access from Carlisle and from locations along the A66, Moorforge sits between Cockermouth, Maryport and Aspatria. An area which itself has inspired writers and artists such as Charles Dicken, Wilkie Collins, LS Lowry, Sheila Fell and Melvyn Bragg.

Browsing the Book Flood is free and every customer will receive free entry into a prize draw with the chance to win goodies courtesy of renowned crime authors, MW Craven and Rachel Lynch.

Rachel’s publishers Canelo are supporting the event by supplying a range of locally relevant and historical books from their catalogue, ensuring most interests will be catered for.

Details of all talks and events during the Moorforge Book Flood can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Moorforge/events

Moorforge is a heritage and craft site with Viking era-style buildings in northwest Cumbria.

It has been developed by blacksmith, David Watson, following his experiences with heritage projects around Europe.

The first building David erected on site was a 10th century, Icelandic-style forge.