Save the date: Malta Book Festival 2021 at the MFCC

Registration for exhibitors is now open

The National Book Council (NBC) is pleased to announce the dates of the Malta Book Festival, which is going to be held between Wednesday, 3 and Sunday, 7 November at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC). Applications for exhibitors wishing to participate in this year’s edition of the Malta Book Festival are now open.

The MBF 2021 application form, with updated rules, regulations and provisions, is open to all local and international publishers, book distributors, bookshops and book agencies. NGOs and public entities, whose field of activity involves the publication of books or the promotion of literature, as well as self-published authors, are also eligible to apply.

Interested participants are urged to apply early and submit, along with their application, a detailed list of the events they would like to organise as part of the cultural programme of the festival. They are respectfully reminded that early applications may be given preference in the programme of events and are encouraged to peruse all terms and conditions before applying. Applications can be filled online on the National Book Council website.

New to this edition, self-published authors will be able to book a space to promote and sell their books at a predesignated area during the festival. Like in previous editions, exhibitors may request a full refund on the application fee if they register for the Exhibitors’ Media Refund Scheme and promote the Malta Book Festival, their events, books and/or participation at the festival to a wider audience through the advertising and promotion in the local press. All stand fees have this year also been reduced in a bid to support prospective exhibitors.

Moving to the MFCC, Malta’s largest international conference and exhibition venue, was an informed decision made at a time when organising public events poses challenges regarding restrictions that may be in place in autumn. Additionally, the decision responds to logistical concerns raised by stakeholders and visitors to the festival. The MFCC will offer greater organisational flexibility for our growing national event and bigger open spaces, and it ensures that visiting patrons as well as exhibitors have the peace of mind of parking stress-free. With over 8,000 sq.m. of indoor available space, stands will be allocated a larger space and footage, all corridors will be wider, the activity areas more spacious, full accessibility ensured.

While preparations for the Malta Book Festival are well underway, the National Book Council is aware that it may have to alter its plans for the festival to meet the directives of the public health authorities on cultural events and public gatherings and ensure the safety of all in attendance. Follow the website and Facebook page for updates.

Should you have any queries regarding eligibility for participation please feel free to contact Matthew Borg on

matthew.borg@ktieb.org.mt or Andrew Ricca on

andrew.ricca@ktieb.org.mt

Applications should be duly filled in as an online form. Those who wish to fill it out pen on paper may still do so and send it by post to MBF 2021, National Book Council, Central Public Library, Prof. J. Mangion Street, Floriana, FRN 1800 by not later than Monday, 9 August at noon.