AN EVENT focusing on lively book chat and delicious food is taking place in support of East Linton Gala.

The event, called Books & Cooks, takes place at East Linton Community Hall on Saturday from 7pm.

The evening aims to connect book lovers over great food and drink.

It is hoped similar events will be held in the future should this one be a success.

A discussion will be held on the book Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, by Shankari Chandran, a heartwarming story of Sri Lankan immigrants in Australia.

To accompany the discussion, food will be served from Sri Lankan Delights, and a speaker from the Sri Lankan Association of Edinburgh will share their experiences of growing up in the South Asian country.

Catherine McMeeken, who is behind the event, helped re-launch East Linton Gala this year after the event was cancelled in 2023 due to a lack of committee members.

READ MORE: East Linton Gala cancelled for 2023 due to lack of committee members

Mrs McMeeken, who moved to the village in 2022, said she wanted to get the event back up and running and has since formed a new committee.

This event is the latest in her efforts to fundraise for the gala.

READ MORE: Mum's mission to bring back East Linton Gala for 2024

She said: “I’m an avid reader and love chatting all things books with friends at my local book club.

“So I wanted to take this to the next level by creating an immersive, elevated book club experience with a themed dinner party twist.

“With amazing food, great speakers and brilliant company, I hope this first Books & Cooks event will be an unforgettable evening for our guests!”

A spokesperson from Sri Lankan Delights added: “We use organic, local whole foods to create traditional Sri Lankan temple food, which is plant based, nut free and gluten free.

“We take time to prepare and create our meals, and each dish is made with love.

“We are excited to be serving our local community and sharing Sri Lankan Delights at the first Books & Cooks event.”

Tickets cost £35 per person, with those who sign up as part of a group of four or more people given 20 per cent off tickets using the code GROUP at checkout.

All profits from the event will benefit East Linton Gala 2024, which takes place on June 8.

Go to eastlintongala.uk/what-s-on to buy tickets.