Margate Bookshop Event

9th July 2026

Fort Road Hotel Bar

Dan Higgins discusses Lord of the Rings, an explorative body-slam into the sociopolitical world of pro wrestling at Fort Road Hotel Bar in Margate

7pm - 9pm

A lithe and lively exploration of the sport, the spectacle and the significance of professional wrestling, Margate-based writer Dan Higgins' new book Lords of the Ring looks at how this spandex-clad phenomenon impacts our political, social and cultural landscape, and why it matters.

A surreal sitcom of stereotypes and storylines in which fact and fiction are interchangeable, the pro wrestling world has, for many years, shaped our ideas of gender, race, national identity and sexuality. It can also, as we've seen recently, act as a stage for political grandstanding. On a mission to find out what in the name of Giant Haystacks goes on behind the scenes and out front, Lords of the Ring finds Higgins speaking to the key players on both sides of the ropes, shining a light on the industry's unlikely, unusual and sometimes unpalatable truths.

A journalist, podcaster and now author, Dan Higgins will be discussing all-things Lords of the Ring in conversation with fellow writer (The Theory of Everything Else), podcast host (No Such Thing as a Fish), QI Elf and citizen of Margate, Dan Schreiber.

The wonderful Fort Road Hotel host the meet-ups in their basement bar with a delicious selection of drinks and snacks.

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