The Book Fair has attracted over 1 million visitors in previous years
The Hong Kong Book Fair opens on 14 July with the new national security law hanging threateningly over it and warnings from organisers any complaints about a book’s content may lead to the police being called. This is the Hong Kong of 2021.
A deputy executive director of the Trade Development Council, Benjamin Chau, said the organisers will not vet exhibitors but expect them to be self-disciplined, because of the new law. If any member of the public complains about a book the police could be notified.
Pre-Covid, the fair has attracted a million people. This year with the virus crisis and new political tension attendance is expected to drop. Those who do venture to the show at the Convention and Exhibition Centre show lasting seven days will be able to see the books displayed by about 670 exhibitors. The TDC is offering 35,000 free tickets to vaccinated residents on a first come first served basis. Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children. Mask wearing the entire time you’re at the fair is mandatory.
Preceded by the annual City Hall show staged by the Hong Kong Kong Publishing Federation, the book fair has now been running for 32 years. It was postponed last year because of Covid. The organisers try to make it more than just a display of books with diversified activities encouraging reading and seminars where local and foreign authors speak.
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