The publication of THE SHEPHERD’S CROWN, the final Discworld novel by renowned author Terry Pratchett, was celebrated last night with a midnight opening and first UK reading by Terry’s close friend and personal assistant, Rob Wilkins and his long-standing colleague Stephen Briggs at Waterstones’ flagship store in Piccadilly, London.

200 Pratchett fans were invited to attend the glittering event and attendees were treated to a first reading of excerpts from the book in a room beautifully transformed into the Chalk for the occasion. There was barely a dry eye in the house as shocking twists and turns in the plot were revealed and emotions ran high at the absence of Britain’s best-loved fantasy writer on the night of such a momentous publication.

Visitors received copies of the book and goody bags at the stroke of midnight and Rob Wilkins signed and stamped them with the Venerable Order of the Honeybee, chatting to fans long into the night.

It was also revealed that 2016 is to be the year of the Sneezing Panda and yes… snail relish WAS on the menu, along with a host of other Discworld treats! Watch video and radio coverage of the event here;

BBC News
BBC News 2
BBC Breakfast
Radio 5 Live