The 2025 edition of The Malta Book Festival and From Illustration to Book Exhibition launched at MFCC

Organised by the National Book Council (NBC), the 46th edition of the Malta Book Festival was launched during a private ceremony tonight, held at the Festival venue of the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali. The event also marked the opening of the From Illustration to Book exhibition, a collaborative effort between the NBC and Arts Council Malta (ACM), now in its fourth edition. 

The 2025 edition of Malta’s leading celebration of books and reading will be taking place between 5-9 November, under the slogan of ‘Writing Anew’ – celebrating the transformative power of literature in all its forms. 

With over 40 exhibitors and more than 100 events in its programme of activities, the Festival brings together publishers, booksellers and other cultural stakeholders for a rich and inclusive cultural experience targeting visitors from all walks of life.

Speaking during the ceremony at the MFCC, NBC Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri thanked his team for their tireless work on the Festival, which this year came during “a period of substantial growth and change for the Council”. Camilleri also enthused about the €20 voucher initiative – a Budgetary measure which has now also been confirmed for next year’s edition.

“This initiative, which has already attracted thousands of applications, will bring even more children and families closer to books and reading. We are proud to see the Festival grow not just in popularity, but in the strength of its collaborations—with public agencies, private companies, and creative partners—making it a truly collective celebration of literature,” Camilleri said. 

Camilleri was joined on stage by Nikki Petroni, Education and Development Executive at ACM and curator of From Illustration to Book exhibition, now in its fourth edition and a proud Malta Book Festival landmark, shining a spotlight on the art of book illustration. 

“Literature, and all that it encompasses, is itself a form of art, and it is essential that we see and appreciate all its facets. With this exhibition, we are offering a platform to artists working in the industry, while continuing to emphasise the importance of expanding opportunities for professional and creative development,” Petroni said.

“This is just a glimpse of the ongoing work within the cultural and creative sectors to increase accessibility, enhance professionalisation, and promote a sustainable industry,” Petroni added, while thanking the NBC team and all the artists, illustrators, authors, and publishers for the meaningful work they do every single day, tirelessly and with dedication.

The Festival will once again proudly host a number of acclaimed international guests. This year, the NBC is proud to host acclaimed UK novelist Samantha Harvey, who will be discussing her Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital in a live interview with Maltese author Loranne Vella on Friday, 7 November at 19:00. 

The Festival will also feature genre-bending American novelist Jeff VanderMeer will be giving a masterclass on writing imaginative fiction on Thursday, 6 November at 19:00, and will also be interviewed on stage on Saturday, 8 November. Award-winning editor Ann VanderMeer will be delivering a session on how to work with professional editors, while UK agent Simon Trewin will be giving some tips to local stakeholders on how to maximise their chances through the NBC’s Foreign Rights Catalogue. 

The Malta Book Festival runs from Wednesday to Sunday (5-9 November) at the following times:

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am–1pm, 5pm–9pm
• Saturday: 10am–9pm
• Sunday: 10am–8pm
  

For a full programme of events and up-to-date information on the Malta Book Festival, visit the Malta Book Festival page on the National Book Council website, or find it on Facebook