This free festival is an intellectual playground for book lovers, writers, and literary experts. (Photo provided)
The Edvos Durban International Book Fair opened on Wednesday 27 November, transforming the university campus at 1 Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard, Luna Row, Umhlanga into a vibrant center of literary celebration.
The festival, which runs until Sunday 1 December, will bring together over 250 writers, poets and creators from across South Africa and around the world, setting the stage for rich cultural exchange in Africa's first UNESCO City of Literature.
Stages at the fair are named after African Poet Laureate Professor Mazisi Kunene, anti-apartheid sports activist Cheryl Roberts and literary icon Alan Paton.
This free festival is an intellectual playground for book lovers, writers, and literary experts. Visitors can explore a diverse program of workshops, exhibitions, and discussions about recently published books.
Kiru Naidoo, one of the volunteer organizers, said one of the main attractions was a workshop on book design and publishing.
“These sessions provide valuable insight into the maze of the literary industry, making this event an excellent platform for aspiring and established writers alike,” said Naidoo.
Exhibitors include a variety of organizations, including the Nalibari Literacy Campaign, university presses, and independent booksellers.
With a simple theme of “Once upon a time…'' one of the festival's efforts to promote reading and a culture of storytelling, especially among young children, is one of its focus areas.
DIBF2024 celebrates not only the written and performed word, but also the vibrant cultural exchange it fosters, showcasing Durban's literary talent alongside world-class literary capitals such as Melbourne, Dublin and Edinburgh.
The full program can be viewed at www.durbanbookfair.co.za. For WhatsApp inquiries please call 082 940 8163. The fair runs from 9 a.m. to evening every day on three stages.
