Words: Lucy Sarah O’Connell | Images: Supplied
It’s a day that book lovers, occasional readers and authors look forward to all year; an event that attracts everyone from young picture book readers to established book critics; a celebration that has been inspiring a deeper love of words for seven years.
This month, the Kingsmead Book Fair will be filled with more literary loveliness than ever. Sponsored once again by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, 702, Porcupine Ridge and Timberland, the jam-packed programme for the one-day event has something for everyone. And with the amazing food and drink available on site, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday in the city.
With 106 authors participating, you’ll have a difficult time deciding which talks to attend. Some talks will be hosted by many of 702’s top presenters, so you’re bound to see some familiar faces – the 702 Open Line is set to be a highlight of the day, with Bongani Bingwa, Karima Brown, Joanna Joseph and Eusebius McKaiser all being joined by Jacques Pauw, the talented journalist and author of the controversial The President’s Keepers.
Other insightful talks will include “Digital and Dangerous”, with Emma Sadleir and Nikki Bush led by journalist Sue de Groot, and “Inconvenient Women”, which sees Sisonke Msimang and Redi Tlhabi talk about patriarchy, politics and building a humane nation.
If you’re looking for something lighter, the book fair will also have some feel-good stories and discussions: in “Josh’s Big Life”, Kathy Crickmay will chat with her son, Josh, about how birding took him from being a suicidal, autistic teenager to a passionate, adventurous bird-watcher. In “Good Things Guy”, Brent Lindeque and his partner Andrew Ross share tales of their food journeys while creating one of their signature dishes.
With an equally impressive Teen Programme and a Children’s Programme that includes opportunities for the little ones to meet their favourite characters, even the youngest readers will be entertained.
The Kingsmead Book Fair will take place on Saturday, 12 May, at Kingsmead College. Tickets are available via Webtickets.
For more information on the Kingsmead Book Fair, phone Alex Bouche on 082 857 5370 or visit the website.
