On the 25th of May 2019 the eighth Kingsmead Book Fair will be taking place at Kingsmead College in Melrose, Johannesburg. It is a celebration of South African authors and the uplifting power of books. The theme for this year’s fair is “read and rise.”
Here are eight reasons why you should mark this in your diary and visit the Kingsmead Book Fair:
1You can start your day right with a good cup of coffee.
Motherland Coffee, Seattle Coffee Company and Coffee Café will all be there to make sure you stay warm and awake!
2 Hear and meet influential South African authors.
More than 80 authors and illustrators will be presenting talks about their books, their writing and their lives. They will also be available to sign books at the end of their talks.
Heather Morris, Bertus Basson, Albert van Wyk, Rekgotsofetse Chikane, Katelyn Williams, Shapiro, Iain Thomas and Sihle Khhumalo are just a few of the names you can expect at the presented events which can be attended at R60 each. Take a look at the full schedule here and remember to reserve your seat ahead of time.
3 The children will stay entertained all day.
There will be children’s programmes and arts & crafts workshops hosted throughout the day to keep the little ones busy, for free. Over a dozen new children’s books will be topic of activities and talks for the youngsters, such as Angry Owl Finds a Hobby (by Kerryn Ponter), Yes, Yanga (by Refiloe Moahloi) and The Blacksmith and the Dragonfly (by Riana Louw). For a full list of children’s books being showcased, view the programme here. There are also play areas on the fair’s venue.
4 There will be writing workshops for young and old.
Are you an aspiring writer? Two adult writing workshops will be presented (one on memoir writing and one on script writing) at R90 per workshop. A young adult writing workshop will be presented at the cost of R60 and a workshop on storytelling will be hosted for the younger children which will be free to attend.
5 You can buy books and earn double Exclusive Books Fanatics points.
The fair will have an Exclusive Books pop-up shop, with a special sale on children’s books. If you are a Fanatics member, you will earn double points on all regular-priced books you buy at the fair. Remember to get you books signed by the featured authors!
6 There will be delicious food.
You will definitely not go hungry at the Kingsmead Book Fair. Vendors such as Balkan Burger, Willoughby & Co., Tutto Paella and Paquito’s are just a few of the munching options you can choose from and enjoy in one of the many seating areas. You can even bring a blanket and have your lunch on the lawn!
7 There will be BEER.
If you thought “Kingsmead” sounded more like some medieval brew than a book fair, do not fear! The fair is hosting a beer garden featuring craft beer, a gin bar and the Porcupine Ridge wine range from Boekenhoutkloof.
8 You can take the Gautrain to get there.
Kingsmead College is located right next to the Rosebank Gautrain station, which will make sure you get there with no traffic, have no problem finding parking (parking at the venue is limited, although you could also park at the Rosebank Mall) and you can enjoy your glass of wine at the fair with a clear conscience. There is also an Uber drop-off/pick-up point right in front of the Gautrain station.
Kingsmead Book Fair is a great outing for young and old, loners and families! Tickets for the fair can be bought at R70 a ticket here. Children under the age of three receive free entrance. Gates open at 8:30 and events start at 9:30.
Kingsmead Book Fair is taking place at:
132 Oxford Road, Melrose, Johannesburg.
GPS Coordinates:
261’08’47.16″S
281’02’44.64″E
See you there!