Bathurst Book Fair is here
Book dealer bargains and lively speaker programme including local authors and poets in store
After a two-year absence, the Bathurst Book Fair has returned, so all book worms make sure to save the date of Sunday May 1, and get to Bathurst from 9am to 5pm.
This year’s event will see many bargains and rare specials from local and visiting book dealers, as well as a lively speaker programme with local authors and poets.
The speaker programme will see Mary Riley, author of Pablo and Pepito, reading her book to young readers in the kiddies’ corner at the Village Green, along with her two alpacas who are the heroes of her story, at 11am.
Visit the Pig n Whistle lounge from 9.30am as an all-day venue and learn about the adventures and misadventures in self-publishing with Monty Roodt, author of the Bernie Bernard series of crime novels and Emeritus Professor of sociology at Rhodes University, with Frank Nunan of WriteOn Publishing and author Chirag Patel.
Explore what makes local stories so lekker at 10.30am with author, poet and English Professor Dan Wylie as he chairs a panel discussion with authors Vivian de Klerk and RU Creative Writing Masters graduate Zodwa Mtirara.
At 11.30am, join veteran travel writer and former Getaway editor David Bristow as he spins a good few yarns.
East London engineer Dennis Walters will speak about some of the challenges faced by Eastern Cape pioneer bridge builder Joseph Newey at 12.30pm.
After lunch it’s time to bring history to life and take a journey through the Eastern Cape with Dean Allen as he talks about his love for the area at 2pm.
At 3pm, take a virtual West Coast wild flower tour with author and freelance photojournalist Marion Whitehead as she gives tips for planning your next visit to the greatest wild flower show on earth.
The day concludes on a poetic note, with Crystal Warren and Marike Beyers of AmazwiSA Museum of Literature and fellow Modjadji poet Jeannie McKeown, all from Makhanda, reading from their work at 4pm.
Veteran economics journalist Reg Rumney changes hats to launch From a Family Album (And Some Poetic Jokes), a collection of eclectic verse.
The afternoon then mellows into an open-mic poetry event.
The talks are free but seating is limited. For updates, see Bathurst Book Fair Facebook page.