Swindon’s literary crowd is in for a real treat this May as The Story Shed Bookshop welcomes a performer who knows his way around both a bookshelf and a melody. On Saturday 3rd May, celebrated bookseller and singer-songwriter Paul Armfield will bring his unique blend of poetic lyrics, acoustic music and literary musings to the cosy venue for a one-night-only performance.
The Isle of Wight-based artist recently launched a new album entitled Between The Covers – 9 Songs for Bibliophiles and has set off on a two-month tour of bookshops and libraries across Europe—Swindon’s much-loved Story Shed being one of the carefully chosen stops along the way.
Paul’s inspiration, it seems, came uninvited. “The first two book songs just spilled out with very little conscious thought,” he explains. “Then another followed… and another. A lifetime in the book trade had clearly furnished me with plenty of material.” The result? A charming and quietly clever collection that explores the relationship between people and their books.
The album isn’t about specific titles. Instead, it captures the emotional attachments, habits and quirks that come with the act of reading. The lead single, The Books Beside My Bed, takes a light-hearted look at ‘tsundoku’ – the Japanese term for acquiring more books than one could ever possibly read. Another track, Paperback, is a wistful nod to the dog-eared paperbacks that gather dust in charity shops across the country.
Though his musical output has been intermittent, Armfield’s reputation is anything but obscure. He has shared stages with the likes of Tindersticks and Lambchop, and earned praise from well-known voices including Guy Garvey, Chris Difford, Lauren Laverne, and Caitlin Moran. Not bad for a man whose day job involves running a multi-award-winning bookshop.
Speaking of which, Medina Bookshop—Paul’s home turf—was recently named Independent Bookshop of the Year for the South East. But in a poetic twist, Paul won’t be at the glamorous Nibbies award ceremony to celebrate the honour; he’ll be mid-set in Newcastle, guitar in hand, awaiting a text from his staff with the result.
Audiences at The Story Shed can expect an intimate evening filled with stories from Paul’s three-decade-long bookselling journey, alongside live performances of his book-themed songs and other highlights from his back catalogue. He’ll be performing solo with an acoustic guitar and, intriguingly, the occasional whirl of a musical saw.
This isn’t just a gig. It’s a celebration of stories—whether read, written or sung.
Tickets Available Now: Click here to book
