When the Cape Town Book Fair opens its doors at the CTICC this year, it will be doing so as the largest fair in sub-Saharan Africa. With over 220 exhibitors representing 31 countries there is no wonder why the CTBF holds this accolade. Doors to the fair open on July 30th with the newly introduced ‘Professional Day’ after which the public will be granted entrance, from July 31st until August 2nd.

If you are an exhibitor or trade professional you will have the unique opportunity on 'Professional Day' to network at seminars, have guided tours of the exhibitions and take part in ‘match-making’ sessions. For those of us who don’t fall into this category, the fair is a place to discover your favourite writer or publisher – in flesh and blood! It isn’t unheard of to rub shoulders with Jodie Picoult or Archbishop Desmund Tutu at the Book Fair!!

This year also marks the biggest International presence in the 5 years that the book fair has been going, with the biggest stand being taken this year by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH). This organisation promotes the culture and heritage of the Emirates and is said to be taking part this year with the intention of using the CTBF as a platform to pursue networking opportunities in the buying and selling of book rights, as well as to promote their very own Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

An impressive line-up of African publishing houses is expected to take part in order to help promote the lesser known publishers and introduce their unique ideas to the industry. I would strongly recommend visiting the Cape Town Book Fair if you are in the Western Cape at the end of July, I don’t think you will be disappointed.