As part its historical theme of “Arthur Machen @ 150”, World Fantasy Convention 2013 is pleased to welcome acclaimed British sculptor Tessa Farmer as a Special Guest to Brighton.

The great-granddaughter of the influential Welsh fantasy writer, she works with sculptural installation, stop-motion animation and drawing to explore the fantastical world of a species of insect-sized malevolent skeletal fairies that have existed since the late 1990s. Not unsurprisingly, the artist acknowledges that her great-grandfather’s fiction has been an important influence upon her own work.

Tessa Farmer studied Fine Art at The University of Oxford, and in 2007, she was artist in residence at London’s The Natural History Museum. Her solo exhibitions in 2011 include “Nymphidia” at London’s Danielle Arnaud Contemporary Art Gallery, and “ISAM: Control Over Nature”, a collaboration with DJ and producer Amon Tobin, at the city’s Crypt Gallery.

“I am delighted to have been invited to attend the World Fantasy Convention in 2013,” she says, “and for the opportunity to show my work alongside inspirational and influential artists and writers. I am looking forward to celebrating the anniversary of Arthur Machen’s birth amongst equally inspirational enthusiasts. (What I really mean is that the evil fairies are excited about parasitising all these great minds . . . I think they are in for a treat!)”

Tessa Farmer joins previously announced Author Guests of Honour Richard Matheson and Richard Christian Matheson, Artist Guest of Honour Alan Lee, and Master of Ceremonies China Mieville, in the picturesque and vibrant seaside town of Brighton, on the south coast of England, over the weekend of 31 October – 3 November 2013. For further information and how to book please see the website HERE

Hieroglyphic Press and Tartarus Press are collaborating to produce a tribute anthology dedicated to Arthur Machen. Entitled Sorcery and Sanctity: A Homage to Arthur Machen, the volume will be launched as part of the Machen events at the 2013 World Fantasy Convention in Brighton.

They are currently seeking original fiction which draws on Machen’s life and works. All profits generated from the sale of this anthology will be donated to the Friends of Arthur Machen. Entries may be of any length and multiple submissions are welcome: however the editors would appreciate it if any potential contributors would let them know in advance that they are working on something for consideration. The final submissions deadline is 30 March 2013.

For full submission guidelines see the Hieroglyphic Press website HERE

‘The Century’s Best Horror Fiction in two hardcover volumes, edited by John Pelan.

Featuring Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Shirley Jackson, Robert Bloch, Charles Beaumont, Jack Ketchum, Gary Brandner, Dennis Etchison, Michael Bishop, Ramsey Campbell, David Schow, Joe R. Lansdale, Elizabeth Massie, Thomas Ligotti, Robert Aickman, Poppy Z. Brite, Lucy Taylor, Stephen Laws, Brian Hodge, Glen Hirshberg, Tim Lebbon, W.W. Jacobs, H.G. Wells, Arthur Machen, Algernon Blackwood, M.R. James, H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert E. Howard, August Derleth, Manly Wade Wellman, Theodore Sturgeon, David A. Riley, Joel Lane, Fritz Lieber, Ian Watson and many others!

Cemetery Dance Publications commissioned a spectacular two-volume anthology project under the editorship of noted author and historian of the horror genre, John Pelan.

John selected one story published during each year of the 20th Century (1901-2000) as the most notable story of that year — all 100 stories were then collected in this amazing two volume set to be published as The Century’s Best Horror Fiction.

The ground rules were simple: Only one selection per author. Only one selection per year.

Two huge volumes, one hundred authors, one hundred classic stories, more than 700,000 words of fiction — history in the making!’

Pre-orders now being taken at the Cemetery Dance WEBSITE

The programme has been announced, and tickets are now available, for the Halifax Ghost Story Festival to be held at Dean Clough, Halifax, West Yorkshire on Saturday 12 November 2011. Featuring a reading by Reggie Oliver of Arthur Machen‘s story Ritual, panel discussions, film adaptations of stories by Elizabeth Jane Howard and Robert Aickman, and much more besides, this event promises to be a must-not-miss one for ghost story lovers.

Bookings can be made via Dean Clough on: 01422 255 266 or at the website