COLCHESTER bookworms are gearing up for a night of literature-themed activities this Saturday.

More than 300 bestsellers specially printed for World Book Night will be given away at Slack Space in Queen Street.

Colchester residents, including Dorian Kelly and Jo Coldwell, are among the 20,000 people nationwide who have successfully applied for copies of 25 famous books to give away.

While some will give the books away in the street or leave them in unusual public places, eight Colchester residents have decided to offer theirs at Slack Space.

Those attending the event, at 7pm, will be able to get their hands on free copies of Yann Martell’s Life of Pi, Mohsin Hamid’s the Reluctant Fundamentalist and Fingersmith, by Sarah Waters.

Mr Kelly said: “One of the great aims of Book Night, and indeed of Slack Space, is to make arts, theatre, music and literature available to everyone, not just those who can afford tickets and books.

“So we are really hoping those on limited incomes who can’t justify buying expensive books when the children might need new shoes will come along. We promise they will be very welcome and won’t go home empty-handed.”

As well as the giveaway, excerpts from the books will be read along with poetry, comedy and live music, plus discussion on the future of libraries and “book speed-dating”, matching people with their ideal books.

Other events are taking place throughout Saturday, while Red Lion Books, in the High Street, and Colchester Waterstone’s will also be handing out free copies of books.