Record attendance for the Malta Book Festival as revamped voucher scheme attracts thousands of new readers 

Organised by the National Book Council (NBC), this year’s edition of the Malta Book Festival, which took place at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali between 5-9 November, attracted a record number of visitors amounting to roughly 40,000 people at the event across its five-day run. 

This surge in numbers can be partly attributed to the successful implementation of a newly-revamped voucher scheme, a Budgetary measure which has now been confirmed for next year, and which offered a €20 voucher for all primary and secondary school students, to be redeemed against book purchases at the Festival. 

“The theme for this year’s edition was Writing Anew – all about change and transformation. Happily, this was borne out in more ways than one, as this year’s edition validated our efforts on the festival, building and improving on our work to help us achieve this milestone in attendance numbers and sales,” NBC Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri said, adding that for this reason, “we at the National Book Council consider this to be ‘year zero’ for the event – it marks a new phase and we are excited to build on this positive momentum for next year”. 

Camilleri also revealed that around 15,000 vouchers were processed at the festival, representing a healthy boost in sales for local publishers and booksellers, as evidently attested during the many busy periods at the Festival, where long lines of eager readers formed around many of the stands. 

“With the voucher scheme now also confirmed for 2026, we look forward to further streamlining our system to ensure that both the NBC and our stakeholders take full advantage of the scheme in a way that enhances the Festival experiences for all,” Camilleri said. 

He also took the opportunity to thank all partners and sponsors who helped make this year’s edition of the Festival particularly special. These include Inspire Malta and APS Bank, who once again ensured the event is equipped with its own Sensory Friendly Room for children on the autism spectrum; Piscopo Gardens, who beautified the event with plants and curated a chill out section where people could kick back with their books away from all the bustle; the Energy and Water Agency, who once again educated and entertained young visitors while passing on important lessons about energy and water conservation; Service Dogs Foundation, who offered pet therapy sessions for visitors; MCAST Art & Design, Faber-Castell and the Malta Community of Illustrators, who helped the festival debut its own mini artists market that also included an all-ages series of workshops running throughout; and finally – Arts Council Malta, with whom the NBC collaborated on the fourth edition of the From Illustration to Book exhibition. 

Boasting 44 exhibitors and three international literary superstars as part of its 100-plus event programme – Jeff VanderMeer, Ann VanderMeer and Samantha Harvey – the Malta Book Festival offered a full experience for the whole family. 

“The positive feedback we received this year has been nothing short of overwhelming, but neither do we believe in resting on our laurels. In the coming days we will be holding post-mortem meetings, both internally and with stakeholders, to ensure that the Festival – Malta’s largest celebration of books and reading – only continues to grow from strength to strength,” Camilleri concluded.