The Hong Kong Book Fair—which was rescheduled numerous times due to the pandemic—is finally taking place from July 14–20
Following multiple postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and originally slated to take place on December 16–22, 2020, the Hong Kong Book Fair is officially taking place on July 14–20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The fair will also run in tandem with the Sports and Leisure Expo as well as the debut of World of Snacks.
The event has received an enthusiastic response from participating organisations and now has more than 700 exhibitors expected to deliver a range of cultural activities and leisure experiences over the week. In addition, during the fair period and the citywide cultural July campaign, more than 600 online and offline cultural events will be organised including thematic exhibitions at the art gallery in HKCEC and seminars hosted by acclaimed writers.
This year's theme is "inspirational and motivational reading" with the tagline of "reading the world: inspiring the mind and refreshing the soul". Benjamin Chau, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) said "The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel has picked this meaningful theme, with the hope that the fair can encourage readers to seek out motivational books that can inspire a more positive lifestyle". "Running in tandem with the Book Fair, the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will showcase diverse lifestyle experiences and snacks from across the globe. Together, these three events can help people declutter their minds and live more rewarding and fulfilling lives", he added.
See also: 9 New Books You Should Read In July 2021
To align with the theme, HKTDC will host a thematic exhibition, Words to Warm the Heart at the gallery outside hall three. It will introduce a number of inspirational authors and their selected works such as A Nong, Cheng Kok-kong, Lee Chak-fan, Philemon Choi, Wu Yin-ching, Shirley Loo, Agnes Chan, Joseph Sung, Su Hei and Rap Chan. Memorabilia from the authors will be on display including manuscripts, calligraphy works and souvenirs.
Other exhibitions also include Cherished Memories of the Children's Paradise which will showcase rare copies and illustrations from different eras of the popular children's magazine, Children's Paradise. Meanwhile, The Dragon Never Dies: Bruce Lee @80, organised with the support of the Bruce Lee Club will bring together Bruce Lee memorabilia from collectors, allowing visitors to revisit the legendary kung fu star's iconic moments.
The Eight Seminar Series will also return to the fair to continue promoting the joy of reading. Running alongside the fair is the Sports and Leisure Expo which will also offer new experiences including an excursion zone, lion dance performance and speed stacking experience. Meanwhile, the World of Snacks is set to make its debut as well and will bring together more than 1,000 popular treats from around the globe. The HKTBC Education and Careers Expo will also take place from July 15–18, in parallel with the book fair.
The Hong Kong Book Fair runs from July 14–20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more details of the opening hours and ticket, please visit hkbookfair.hktdc.com
See also: 5 Hong Kong Events You Can't Miss In July 2021
This article was originally published on August 26, 2020 and was updated on July 6, 2021.