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HydraCon Book Festival

Calling all book lovers! Be you readers, writers or both. This is your chance to meet authors, discover new books, take part in free workshops or attend talks by experts in the literary world. Join together with The Book Dragon and the local community to celebrate all things books at this engaging event that’s fun for all the family.

HydraCon, an all-ages indie book festival. Features "The Book Dragon Presents" at the top with a stylised three-headed dragon logo in black tribal design. The event name "HYDRACON" appears in large green and yellow gradient letters. Details include: Saturday 23 August 2025, 10am till 4pm, at The ARC, Stockton-on-Tees, free entry. Activities listed: featuring local and national authors, author readings, kids' events, free workshops, meet the mascots, charity raffle, book signings, and more. Note at bottom states tickets for expert talks available from The ARC.

See below for all four talks happening on the day, tickets are £7 per talk or you can attend all talks for £17. Please select the HydraCon: All 4 Chapters listing below or click here to purchase for all four talks.

The Book Dragon Presents at the top with a stylised dragon logo, and the event name "HYDRACON" in bold green and yellow lettering.

HydraCon: All Four Chapters

Calling all book lovers! Be you readers, writers or both. This is your chance to meet authors, discover new books, take part in free workshops or attend talks by experts in the literary world. Join together with The Book Dragon and the local community to celebrate all things books at this engaging event that’s fun … Continued
A man with glasses holding up a blue book titled "A Spoonful of Murder" in front of his face, with bookshelves visible in the background. There's also what appears to be another book called "The Secret of [something]" visible in the background.

HydraCon: From Idea to Final Draft with James Harris from Writer's Block North East

Join James Harris from Writers’ Block North East as he tells the story of Middlesbrough’s best-kept literary secret – an organisation that has to date helped over 10 local authors find representation and publication, a list that includes Lisette Auton, JM Hall, Mike Edwards, Carmen Marcus, Rachel Bower and James himself. James will discuss the … Continued
A woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair, sitting in what looks like a room with book-themed decorations or posters on the wall behind her. The setting suggests a bookish or literary environment.

HydraCon: My Journey Through Self-Publishing and Beyond with Kirsty McKay

Join The Book Dragon founder Kirsty McKay as she guides you through her journey of self-publishing, both as an author and businesswoman. Discover how the challenges she’s faced from her disability have helped give her the drive to thrive.
A close-up, intimate photo of someone reading, with warm lighting creating a cosy atmosphere. The person appears to be holding a book or document close to their face.

HydraCon: Reading for Pleasure with The National Literacy Trust

Discover how to encourage a culture of reading for pleasure and create daily reading habits for both yourself and your children. Learn how nurturing a love of reading can empower you and enrich your life.
A man in a pink/salmon coloured t-shirt standing outdoors, with what appears to be a building structure in the background. He's bald with facial hair and appears to be in a sunny location.

HydraCon: Write To Change Your Life with Author Richard Evans

Join Author and Screenwriter Richard Evans as he encourages you to ‘Write to Change Your Life.’ Discover how by taking the first steps on your writing journey you can build your confidence and work towards making your literary dreams come true.