The 2023 Malta Book Festival Programme

The 2023 Malta Book Festival will take place between 18-22 October at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali.

Discover the programme, full of book launches and presentations, meetings with local and international guest authors, seminars, panel discussions, film screenings and events for children and students.

The concert VII & Fidwa tal-Bdiewa is the only ticketed event at the 2023 Malta Book Festival; attendance to the Festival and to all other events is free of charge. Some masterclasses and workshops require participants to register in advance, check event pages for details.

You can catch up with some of the events after the Festival by clicking on the  event details button or playing them on the Malta Book Festival 2023 Facebook page.

malta-book-festival-2023

The Malta Book Festival is the foremost book celebration in the country’s cultural calendar. Annually, the MBF boasts an attendance rate of 50,000 visitors, the participation of more than 50 exhibitors, and offers extensive networking opportunities for industry professionals.

Programme of Events

Filter by Categories:

Filter by date:

Showing Events lorem Clear Filter

Showing lorem Events Clear Filter

Il-Kamra Sensorja
October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am
This autism-friendly space (with low stimulation and some basic sensory items and autism-friendly resources) allows children on the […]
Exhibition: From Illustration To Book - NBC & Arts Council Malta
October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am
The second edition of an exhibition dedicated to book design and illustration, showcasing the work of Malta’s leading […]
Exhibition: Il-Malti: Il-Mixja sal-Għarfien Uffiċjali - Heritage Malta & l-Akkademja tal-Malti
October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Organized by Heritage Malta and l-Akkademja tal-Malti and spread across ten themes, the exhibition ‘Il-Malti: Il-Mixja sal-Għarfien Uffiċjali’ […]
Malta Community of Illustrators Interactive Mural
October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Several members from The Malta Community of Illustrators will be working together to create a live drawing on […]
Quiz & Word match - German Maltese Circle / Dept. of German, UM - GMC / Dept. of German Stand 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Due to their mutual Germanic origin, English and German are surprisingly similar. German-English word pairs show that you […]
Let’s get lost in Knowledge (5-8 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 10:00 am
A reading session for 5-8 year olds by Sameera Perera and Linda Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
A theatre show for primary school students - NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 18, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Join in on the fun and adventure of this inspiring show for primary school students adapted and directed […]
Reading session: Il-Kavallier Għatxan - Energy and Water Agency (EWA) - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇲🇹
October 18, 2023 @ 10:00 am
This story takes us back to the time of the Knights of St John, where we meet the […]
Jack & the Beanstalk (8-12 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 11:30 am
An interactive reading session for 8-12 year olds by Claire Borg and Ruby Anne Caruana. Organised by Inspire […]
Reading session: Osbert and Friends - Energy and Water Agency (EWA) - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Osbert, a painted frog who lives at Chadwick Lakes in Malta, teaches us about his habitat, surroundings and […]
A theatre show for primary school students - NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 18, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Join in on the fun and adventure of this inspiring show for primary school students adapted and directed […]
A reading by author Sandra Hili Vassallo - Ġemma - Ġemma Stand 🇲🇹
October 18, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Meet author Sandra Hili Vassallo for a reading session from the books Kejkijiet tal-Karrotti u Fwejjaħ ta’ Ward (5-8 […]
Animal Bounty! Live animal session (6-10 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
A live animal session for 6-10 year olds by Jelena Petrovic and Linda Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation […]
How does Wikipedia actually work? - Wikimedia Community Malta (WCM) - WCM Stand 🇲🇹/🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Everyone is aware of Wikipedia, but did you know that you can become an editor of this fantastic […]
A talk by Veronica Veen - Inanna Publishers - Inanna Publishers Stand 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
A 30-minute talk by Veronica Veen about her 35 years of cultural anthropological fieldwork in Gozo on women’s […]
L-Isfida Msella - San Anton School & NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 18, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
For the third consecutive year, San Anton School is celebrating the achievement of a group of students who […]
Award-Giving Ceremony - The Plaza Prizes - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
A series of live readings by the winners of international literary competition The Plaza Prizes. The competition’s mission […]
Adapting for the Screen – Support Schemes by the Malta Film Commission - Malta Film Commission - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇬🇧
October 18, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
Since 2008, the Malta Film Commission has been backing local filmmakers through various schemes to boost local productions. […]
Reading session: A Journey with the Energetic Four: The Renewables - Energy and Water Agency (EWA) - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 10:00 am
A story that revolves around a ten-year-old boy named Ben, who embarks on a journey with the Renewables […]
A theatre show for middle and secondary school students - NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 19, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Join in on the fun and adventure of this inspiring show for middle and secondary school students adapted […]
Who is Hiding under the Sea? (9-12 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 10:00 am
A Reading session for 9-12 year olds by Stebin Kallingal. Organised by Inspire Foundation in an autism-friendly environment, […]
Storytelling for kids about Shadow the dog - Kite Group - Kite Group Stand 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 10:30 am
Shadow Finds a Home is a book that portrays the story of Shadow and that of hundreds of […]
Inspiration, Technique, Success - a creative writing masterclass by Sam Blake for post-sec students - NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 11:30 am
Character, location and plot are the vital components of a great story, but where do you find them […]
Animal Bounty! Live animal session (9-12 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 11:30 am
A live animal session for 9-12 year olds by Jelena Petrovic and Wilson Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation […]
Reading session: Luna u l-Energetika: Il-Vapur Sostenibbli - Energy and Water Agency (EWA) - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇲🇹
October 19, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
From a message in a bottle to a hidden treasure and unexpected friendships, Luna u l-Enerġetika – Il-Vapur […]
A theatre show for middle and secondary school students - NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 19, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Join in on the fun and adventure of this inspiring show for middle and secondary school students adapted […]
A reading by author Sandra Hili Vassallo - Ġemma - Ġemma Stand 🇲🇹
October 19, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Meet author Sandra Hili Vassallo for a reading session from the books Kejkijiet tal-Karrotti u Fwejjaħ ta’ Ward (5-8 years) and Kollox Barra […]
When do Hippos Play? (5-8 years) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
A reading session for 5-8 year olds by Wilson Akanihu and Linda Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
Reading Champions - National Literacy Agency - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 19, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
The National Literacy Agency awards Year 7 students nominated by the school administration and teacher-librarians for their love […]
Networking event for librarians together with Fondazione per Leggere di Milano and Malta Libraries - Istituto Italiano di Cultura - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
This networking event aimed at librarians and publishing sector professionals brings together the experiences of Fondazione per Leggere […]
Wikipedian-in-Residence at TimesofMalta.com - Wikimedia Community Malta (WCM) - Is-Sala fil-Pjazza 🇲🇹/🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Times of Malta has a strong online presence, thereby offering great opportunities for collaboration with Wikimedia Projects. During […]
Masterclass: What's Your Story: 5 Steps to Writing a Bestseller - NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
Finding an idea that’s original and fresh is one of the keys to success in a busy marketplace, […]
Book launch: 'The First Maltese: How it all Began in Gozo' by Veronica Veen - Inanna Publishers - Is-Sala fil-Pjazza 🇬🇧
October 19, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
The book launch of The First Maltese: How it all Began in Gozo, presented by Dr Veronica Veen. […]
FRAKASS: contemporary poets - Kotba Calleja - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇲🇹
October 19, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
Poetry readings from various established and emerging contemporary poets. In 2023, the poet and humanity at large are […]
A theatre show for primary school students - NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Join in on the fun and adventure of this inspiring show for primary school students adapted and directed […]
Reading session: Osbert and Friends - Energy and Water Agency (EWA) - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Osbert, a painted frog who lives at Chadwick Lakes in Malta, teaches us about his habitat, surroundings and […]
Included - interactive session (9-12 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 10:00 am
An interactive reading session for 9-12 year olds by Jennifer Taccone and Michael Galea. Organised by Inspire Foundation […]
Storytelling for kids about Shadow the dog - Kite Group - Kite Group Stand 🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 10:30 am
Shadow Finds a Home is a book that portrays the story of Shadow and that of hundreds of […]
My Way to Kindness (7-10 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 11:30 am
A reading session for 7-10 year olds by Jennifer Taccone and John Papasin. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
Reading session: L-Eroj tal-Ilma - Energy and Water Agency (EWA) - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
In this story we meet Wallace, a young man who was born on the Green Planet. This planet […]
A theatre show for primary school students - NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Join in on the fun and adventure of this inspiring show for primary school students adapted and directed […]
A reading by author Sandra Hili Vassallo - Ġemma - Ġemma Stand 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Meet author Sandra Hili Vassallo for a reading session from the books Kejkijiet tal-Karrotti u Fwejjaħ ta’ Ward (5-8 years) and Kollox Barra […]
All My Stripes (8-12 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
A reading session for 8-12 year olds by Kristina Briffa and Alicia Escribano. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
140 languages for Pinocchio - Istituto Italiano di Cultura - Is-Sala fil-Pjazza 🇮🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Prof. Stefano Jossa (University of Palermo and RHUL) will lead the public through the variety of linguistic remakes […]
You’re so dramatic! - A workshop on Maltese theatre - Għaqda tal-Malti – Università - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
L-Għaqda tal-Malti incorporates il-Grupp Teatrali, a project which is open to all those who have Maltese theatre at […]
What is Wikidata? - Wikimedia Community Malta (WCM) - WCM Stand 🇲🇹/🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Discover Wikidata, another Wikimedia project, which provides essential data to Google, Siri and Alexa, along with Wikipedia and […]
Finding the Words - an exchange between Sam Blake and Leanne Ellul on ideas and words in fiction writing - NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Two writers, local children’s author and poet Leanne Ellul and bestselling Irish crime writer Sam Blake, discuss their […]
Book presentation: 'Requiem per un fascista maltese' by Francis Ebejer – Bonfirraro Editore – Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇮🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
This autobiographical novel describes the political atmosphere and recounts the bombings on the Maltese Islands during the Second […]
Meet the author: Barbi Marković reads from her latest novel 'Minihorror' (2023) - GMC / UM Department of German - Is-Sala fil-Pjazza 🇩🇪
October 20, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Vienna-based contemporary writer Barbi Marković, special guest of the German-language book stand, will read from her latest novel […]
Masculinity in 'Small Worlds': A reading circle with LukeReads - Mallia & D’Amato Booksellers - Mallia & D’Amato Booksellers Stand 🇬🇧
October 20, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
An exploration of masculinity through extracts from Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson with the participation of Luke […]
Reading from 'Jiena u Beppe, Beppe u Jiena' (Merlin Publishers) - MIVC - Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
Olivia Galea Seychell reads from Jiena u Beppe, Beppe u Jiena (Merlin Publishers). This book emerged from the […]
Awards Ceremony: The 2023 Doreen Micallef National Poetry Contest - NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
Join us for the announcement of the winners of the fifth edition of the prestigious Doreen Micallef National […]
these poems are fan-like… - vrusha/vrusna - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇲🇹
October 20, 2023 @ 8:30 pm
Eight female writers, eight voices. One point of departure – another voice, strong at its most fragile, the […]
VII / Fidwa - Teatru Malta - It-Teatru
October 20, 2023 @ 8:30 pm
An hour-long concert packed with the music and distinctive sounds of The New Victorians, taken from VII and […]
Zinn Zinn Zinn: Music and literature for young ones and their elders - Għaqda tal-Malti – Università - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇲🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Stories, rhymes and music leave an impression on all of us, but because of their innocence and imaginative […]
Inside Publishing - Routes to Market: A masterclass by Simon Trewin - NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Literary agent and publishing consultant Simon Trewin talks candidly about the international rights market and how agents, authors […]
A Q&A session with the Ġemma team - Ġemma - L-Istand ta’ Ġemma 🇲🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am
Ġemma team members will be holding question and answer sessions about financial literacy aimed at children and parents.
Friendfish in the Ocean (5-7 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am
A reading session for 5-7 year olds by Stefany Munoz and Linda Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
A reading session with Lucienne Cassar - Pandora Bargain Books - Is-Sala fil-Pjazza 🇲🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 11:00 am
Lucienne Cassar will read from some of her books in an interactive session with music, games and learning […]
Writing for children and young adults - a masterclass by children’s books editor Charlie Castelletti - NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 11:30 am
Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between a chapter book, middle grade, or YA book for children? […]
Book signing with Lucienne Cassar - Pandora Bargain Books - Pandora Bargain Books Stand 🇲🇹/🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Writer Lucienne Cassar will sign her books published by Pandora Publications.
When Do Hippos Play? (5-8 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
A reading session for 5-8 year olds by Wilson Akanihu and Linda Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
Editing workshop by Jen Calleja and Kat Storace - Praspar Press & NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
During this editing workshop with Praspar Press editors Kat Storace and Jen Calleja, you will explore practical tips […]
Mini-art workshops by Veronica Veen - Inanna Publishers - Inanna Publishers Stand 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
Make your own bookmark inspired by the First Maltese! Mini-art workshops of 15 minutes each by author Veronica […]
Animal Bounty! Live animal session ( 5-12 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 2:00 pm
A live animal session for 5-12 year olds by Jelena Petrovic and Wilson Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation […]
Book launch: 'The Manor House Governess' (Black and White, Bonnier Books) by C.A. Castle - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 3:00 pm
Author Charlie Castelletti will be presenting his debut novel in an interview with Charlie Cauchi. Castelletti is also […]
Book launch: 'Scintillas: New Maltese Writing 3' - Praspar Press - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 4:00 pm
Editors and co-founders of London-based Praspar Press Kat Storace and Jen Calleja will be presenting the third edition […]
A reading by author Sandra Hili Vassallo - Ġemma - Ġemma Stand 🇲🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Meet author Sandra Hili Vassallo for a reading session from the books Kejkijiet tal-Karrotti u Fwejjaħ ta’ Ward (5-8 years) and Kollox Barra […]
2023 Wiki Loves Photo Contests Awards Ceremony - Wikimedia Community Malta (WCM) - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇲🇹/🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
An awards ceremony for Wiki Loves Folklore and Wiki Loves Earth 2023. The finalists of Wiki Loves Monuments […]
Launch of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize in Malta with Constantia Soteriou - NBC & Commonwealth Foundation - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
The National Book Council will be announcing a new collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation through which Maltese writers […]
Info sessions about Wikimedia photography contests - Wikimedia Community Malta (WCM) - WCM Stand 🇲🇹/🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Discover how to take part in the annual photo contests Wiki Loves Monuments, Wiki Loves Folklore and Wiki […]
How you say it to yourself: Between writing and translation on Aphroconfuso - Mallia & D’Amato Booksellers - Is-Sala fil-Pjazza 🇲🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
If all writing is a form of translation, writing in Maltese is often translating in an even more […]
[gæp] WHAT IS A GAP? A playful talk on Liberation - Ateliersi & Istituto Italiano di Cultura - it-Teatru 🇮🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
The Bolognese collective Ateliersi is known for scenic writing that transfigures the object of reality through their poetic […]
How a book is made - Gutenberg Press - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
Join us for a seminar on book production. Learn more about how a book is made and the […]
The Italian-language works of Frans Sammut - Bonfirraro editore - Is-Sala tal-Qarrejja 🇮🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
A presentation of the only two works written in Italian by the Maltese writer Frans Sammut with the […]
Gibraltar comes to Malta: a window into Gibraltar literature, history & culture - Gibraltar National Book Council - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 21, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
In this conversation, two members from the National Book Council of Gibraltar, novelist M.G. Sanchez and Head of […]
Writers’ roundtable with Jon Mallia - NBC - It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 21, 2023 @ 8:30 pm
Jon Mallia will lead a round-table discussion with prominent literary figures Trevor Żahra, Lon Kirkop, Alex Farrugia, Nadia […]
A Q&A session with the Ġemma team - Ġemma - Ġemma Stand 🇲🇹
October 22, 2023 @ 10:30 am
Ġemma team members will be holding question and answer sessions about financial literacy aimed at children and parents.
Storytelling for kids about Shadow the dog - Kite Group - Kite Group Stand 🇬🇧
October 22, 2023 @ 10:30 am
Shadow Finds a Home is a book that portrays the story of Shadow and that of hundreds of […]
Let's get lost in Knowledge (5-8 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 22, 2023 @ 10:30 am
A reading session for 5-8 year olds by Stefany Munoz and Linda Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
Friendfish in the Ocean (5-7 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 22, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
A reading session for 5-7 year olds by Jelena Petrovic and Stefany Munoz. Organised by Inspire Foundation in […]
Animal Bounty! Live animal session (5-12 year olds) – Inspire Foundation – Il-Kamra Sensorja 🇬🇧
October 22, 2023 @ 2:00 pm
A live animal session for 5-12 year olds by Jelena Petrovic and Wilson Akanihu. Organised by Inspire Foundation […]
Launch of 'Leħen il-Malti - Għadd 42' - Għaqda tal-Malti – Università - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇲🇹
October 22, 2023 @ 2:30 pm
CHANGE IN TIME AND VENUE As per annual tradition, l-Għaqda tal-Malti will give a sneak peak into what […]
Saxophone performance & presentation of 'Gato Barbieri - Una biografia dall'Italia tra jazz, pop e cinema (ArtDigiland) - Istituto Italiano di Cultura - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇬🇧
October 22, 2023 @ 4:00 pm
The book by Andrea Polinelli pieces together the story of Argentinian musician Gato Barbieri, shedding light on who […]
Film screening & panel discussion: Prof. Henry Frendo, Recipient of the 2022 NBP Lifetime Achievement Award – NBC – It-Teatru 🇲🇹
October 22, 2023 @ 4:00 pm
The National Book Council honours the academic and literary life of researcher and historian Henry Frendo, winner of […]
A reading by author Sandra Hili Vassallo - Ġemma - Ġemma Stand 🇲🇹
October 22, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Meet author Sandra Hili Vassallo for a reading session from the books Kejkijiet tal-Karrotti u Fwejjaħ ta’ Ward (5-8 years) and Kollox Barra […]
From page to stage and screen: two takes on 'Castillo' (Merlin Publishers) - NBC - Is-Sala tal-Kittieba 🇲🇹
October 22, 2023 @ 5:30 pm
Coinciding with the release of the trailer for Castillo, a TakeTwo feature-length production based on Clare Azzopardi’s 2018 […]
Book presentation of 'Raccogliere il mare con un cucchiaino' by Regina Catrambone (Edizioni Città Nuova) - Istituto Italiano di Cultura - Is-Sala fil-Pjazza 🇮🇹
October 22, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
The book recounts the story of the author’s family and the creation of MOAS, as well as how […]

Follow us