The Festival that gathers up the community… and invites it to transform

The Malta Book Festival will this year be taking place between 5-9 November at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali, under the theme of Writing Anew – which also serves as an invitation to the assembled communities that it welcomes into its fold to meet, talk and provoke positive changes. 

The transformative element of literature and art that the slogan implies will also be very much reflected in the Festival’s rich programme of events, along with the various collaborations that the National Book Council (NBC) has forged for its purpose. The NBC strongly believes that transformation is at its best when it occurs in tandem with others, through the sharing of ideas and practices that work towards a common goal. 

Communities in aid of each other 

One of these goals will be achieved through the collaborations with the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, which will be setting up its cafe at the MFCC, with all proceeds going towards families in need. By simply grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat, Festival visitors will play an active part in this cause. Similarly, purchasing a hot drink from Jacob’s Brew – who will once again rock up at the tent in their signature tent, will ensure a contribution towards the Survivors Malta NGO. 

The Sensory Room, set up in collaboration with the Inspire Foundation with support from APS Bank, returns this year with a range of activities aimed at families with children on the autism spectrum. These inclusive activities ensure that people of all abilities can fully enjoy the community spirit of the Malta Book Festival. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit this space, especially if their children have benefited from the €20 book voucher.

Also joining us this year is the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), which will be holding daily activities for children to raise awareness about the responsible use of water.

Professional communities growing from strength to strength

Literature, books and the industry professionals that make them possible remain the leading stars of the Festival. Across its five days, the event will ensure that barriers between disciplines will give way, so that visitors may appreciate the act of creation in its purest form, while also paving the way for new opportunities inspiring prospective creators. 

The Festival programme has something for all ages: from writing masterclasses or book-making workshops, poetry and music evenings, interactive readings (some of which will even include animal therapy), live podcast recording, a boutique artists’ fair, and showcases for illustration – chief of which is From Illustration to Book, now in its fourth edition and one again organised in collaboration with Arts Council Malta. 

Professionals and people from all walks of life contribute their expertise and experience to these varied activities at he Malta Book Festival, ensuring that the result is nothing short of magical. Indeed, they are an active reminder of how the event – Malta’s leading celebration of books – continues to serve as the engine of the island’s literary industry, year in and year out. 

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