The London Book Fair, one of the UK’s largest book-publishing trade fairs, kicks off tomorrow (April 18).
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Kate Mosse and a range of Ukrainian authors are the latest people to be announced for the 2023 London Book Fair.
Mr Khan will take to the stage on Wednesday April 19 where he will chat with Young Vic artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah with the pair set to discuss “London’s role as a hub for the UK’s creative economy; climate change and the role of cities in supporting a more sustainable future”.
Khan will also talk about his new book, Breathe: Tackling the Climate Emergency and said of his attendance: “I’m delighted to attend this year’s London Book Fair and engage with an industry that is so important to London’s cultural vibrancy and the UK’s creative economy. Cities like London are leading from the front in taking action to tackle the climate emergency – and I look forward to discussing how we can all play a part in building a greener future.”
Another newly announced key speaker is Kate Mosse, who will appear on Thursday April 20 in conversation with Louise Minchin and will discuss her new book, The Ghost Ship. She joins award-winning author of The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead, who is also among the names just announced for the 2023 London Book Fair.
Taking place from April 18 to 20, authors, publishers and other industry figures will gather at Olympia London for three days of networking and learning. Other events include a headline talk from HarperCollins’ president and chief executive, Brian Murray, and the adult author of the day, bestselling crime novelist Ann Cleeves.
With face-to-face meetings, conferences and seminar programmes, the event provides “pivotal insight into the book world”.
Gareth Rapley, director of the London Book Fair, said: “The main stage was a popular addition to last year’s fair and I’m delighted that we are able to deliver another exciting and extensive selection of discussions to the London Book Fair 2023. We are honoured this year to present a selection of industry big-hitters, ranging from international publishing organisations to indie publishers, multimillion-selling authors, book retailers and media executives.”
Street Child has recently been announced as 2023’s London Book Fair charity of the year. This means that the charity will be given an exhibition space and seminar session at the book fair in April.
What is the London Book Fair?
The London Book Fair is an annual book-publishing trade fair. It is a “global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels”.
From publishers and dealmakers to copyright professionals, commissioners and the global licensors, including those involved in rights negotiation, the event unites the book community for three days of business, networking and learning.
Since its launch in 1971, the fair has grown in size and importance. It is considered as second in importance to only the Frankfurt Book Fair as “a mecca for European publishers, booksellers, rights agents, and media trend-spotters”.
Who is speaking this year?
Below is a full list of speakers announced so far:
- Sadiq Khan, London Mayor
- Kate Mosse, author
- Colson Whitehead, author
- Brian Murray, president and chief executive of HarperCollins
- Nigel Newton, president of the Publishers Association
- Karine Pansa, president of the International Publishers Association
- Nigel Wyman, sales and marketing director of Gardners Books
- Dan Conway, chief executive of the Publishers Association
- Emily Hayward-Whitlock, head of book to film at the Artists Partnership
- Dapo Adeola, illustrator
- Ann Cleeves, author
- Perminder Mann, chief executive of Bonnier Books
- Meryl Halls, managing director of the Booksellers Association
- Kate Wilson, chief executive of Nosy Crow
- Irum Fazal, founder of Asian Women Writers
Where is the London Book Fair?
The London Book Fair will take place at Olympia London in West Kensington.
How to get tickets
Registration is now open and visitor tickets cost £63.60 for the two days.
