Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich celebrates five years

Bookbugs and Dragon Tales was opened by husband and wife duo Dan and Leanne Fridd in Timber Hill five years ago.

Now, with the shop's birthday approaching at the start of August, the couple have reflected on their biggest achievements.

"We've created a community space within the city," said Leanne.

Bookbugs and Dragon Tales is set to celebrate five years in Timberhill (Image: Denise Bradley)

"We are really proud of that community and sense of safety and wellbeing that we have here."

"We are also proud of all the outreach that we do with schools and the events that we have run for classes," Dan added.

In the last five years, the shop has won the best bookshop category at the public-voted Norfolk Muddy Stilettos Awards in 2023 and has been named by The Times as one of the top seven best browsable bookshops in the UK.

The couple have worked hard to become a key community space (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Something that started off as a bit of a mad idea has ultimately turned into something that is really valued, special and different within the bookshop community," said Leanne.

It hasn't always been plain sailing for the pair, with the bookshop opening seven months before a global pandemic and then plunging headfirst into a cost-of-living crisis.

"We have had to be quite responsive as a business to what is going on, which was never part of the plan," said Leanne.

"We have had to roll with the punches and make the best of some bad situations, and I'm really proud that we have been able to do that."

The shop sells a range of books for all ages (Image: Denise Bradley)

As part of a Crowdfunder launched by Leanne and Dan to help keep the bookshop open during 2022, A-lister Rusell Crowe donated £5,000 towards their £15,000 target.

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"It was a lovely show of kindness," reflected Leanne.

To celebrate the fifth year of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, on Saturday, August 17 Leanne and Dan will be hosting a week of celebrations at the Timberhill shop.

Bookbugs and Dragon Tales will be hosting a range of events to celebrate (Image: Denise Bradley)

"We are going to throw a big party with a disco and glitter," said Leanne.

"We just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us so far and encourage them to continue to support us in the future."

There will be five days of £5 events in the lead-up to the anniversary with a couple of special guests yet to be confirmed.

Those looking for more information should contact Bookbugs and Dragon Tales directly.