The Leipzig Book Fair attracted more visitors this year than the year before. The organizers said a total of 283,000 people came to marvel at the industry’s innovations.
Last year the trade fair was able to take place again – after a forced break due to Corona. At that time, 274,000 people were counted. After positive advance sales, the organizers had already expected an increase in visitor numbers this year.
During the four days of the trade fair, around 100 events took place in the exhibition halls. Among the numerous guests on the various stages were 41 authors – such as Marc-Uwe Kling (“The Kangaroo Chronicles”), Ingrid Noll (“The Pharmacist”), Arne Dahl (“Zero Equals One”) and Paul Maar (“Sam’s”). In addition, other celebrities such as the actress Katja Riemann and the footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger came to the trade fair. According to the organizers, a total of 2,085 exhibitors from 40 countries were there to present their books and new publications.
Manga Comic Con and Antique Fair
This year, the Manga-Comic-Con was also in its 10th year and the antiquarian book fair was in its 30th year. The reading festival “Leipzig reads” also attracted visitors with 2,800 events at 300 locations throughout the city. This year’s fair was the first under the leadership of the new director Astrid Böhmisch. Last year, long-time trade fair boss Oliver Zille unexpectedly withdrew.
As the guest country of the Leipzig Book Fair 2024 this year, the Netherlands and Flanders presented themselves as a common language and cultural area. “Under the motto “Everything but flat!” we showed what has happened in our literature over the last ten years,” explained the organizers of the guest country events on Sunday. An attempt was made to establish connections that would outlast the Leipzig Book Fair. Next year Norway will be the guest country at the trade fair. The Leipzig Book Fair will take place next year between March 27th and 30th.
