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Bookworms and wordsmiths, have you heard? Kingsmead College will host their eleventh annual Book Fair later this May, in association with Standard Bank – Wealth and Investment, Timberland and Media Partner Hot 102.7. This event will be taking place at the Kingsmead College campus in Melrose. Get your tickets now!

About Kingsmead College

This year, Kingsmead College celebrate their 90th anniversary and for this reason the Kingsmead Book Fair will follow the school’s theme of Courage for this year’s event. Courage is not always about big, bold actions – it can also be about small acts that have meaning. It could be never having read a particular genre of book – e.g. poetry or biography – and having the courage to take the first step. It could be a self-help book that provides the courage to undertake something one has avoided.

As a school, Kingsmead College are passionate about reading. It is important that their students are exposed to books and authors – in particular, African authors – and good reading habits.

“We are excited about the authors on our programme and being able to expose our students and wider community to rich and varied topics and sessions. We hope that this year’s programme provides a mixture of comfort and courage. May you explore new genres and attend sessions that you may not have in the past – be courageous with your choices.” says Alex Bouche, the Director of the Kingsmead Book Fair.

What Is The Kingsmead Book Fair About?

The diverse Book Fair programme includes more than 140 authors, participating in over 70 sessions throughout the day. In addition, they’re thrilled to be announcing the winner of the second Young Writers’ Competition.

The Young Writers’ Competition was launched in 2022 to encourage a culture of reading and writing amongst the youth. The digital world has significantly affected reading levels among children. So, we need to redirect their attention and build up the joy of writing and reading. By rewarding the winning entries in each category with cash prizes and a mentorship session with a writer and publisher, Kingsmead College hopes to inspire a new generation of writers in South Africa.

Kingsmead Book Fair has a strong social responsibility ethos. As such, one of the aims of the Kingsmead Book Fair’s Outreach programme is to offer entrance and session tickets to various organisations and reading groups that otherwise might not have the means to attend. In addition, the school holds a book drive in the weeks leading up to the event, where gently loved books are donated and then distributed to various community partners.

In addition to literary appetites being satiated, there’s lots on offer in terms food and drink stalls as well as the Exclusive Books pop-up store where you can buy the visiting authors’ books and have them signed.

All in all, it is a day on South Africa’s literary calendar that is not to be missed.

Supporting A Good Cause

All proceeds from the event go towards the Kingsmead Trust. There are currently 61 bright young women benefiting from an excellent education in the Senior School. The bursaries constitute 100% of their school fees, uniforms, daily lunch and tour subsidies.