Book fair to highlight cultural legacies this summer

Organisers of the Hong Kong Book Fair on Tuesday said they expect more than 770 exhibitors featuring over 600 events when the festival is held in the middle of July. The 36th Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will run under the theme of: “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys” this year. "We want to invite everyone to immerse themselves in culture," said Jenny Koo, deputy executive director of the HKTDC. "We hope to inspire readers to explore the heritage and innovation of traditional culture in modern society through reading." This year, the first Asean Literary Festival will be introduced at the book fair, co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Asean Foundation. "It will foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Asean countries," Koo said, citing intellectual discussions surrounding award-winning books by invited authors. Additionally, the "Cultural and Creative Space", introduced last year, will continue to expand, focusing on Yunnan, this year's featured province. There will also be pavilions centred around Fujian province and the city of Hangzhou. The space will showcase intangible cultural heritage crafts and creative products. The book fair will run from July 15 to July 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Admission fees remain at HK$30 and HK$10 for adults and children respectively. Concessionary tickets are available for those entering the book fair before 12pm, priced at HK$10 per person regardless of age. Edited by Tony Sabine