The Bathurst Bookfair, next weekend, is one of those special events on the calendar not to be missed by any book lover and literary enthusiast. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the book fair and has a lot on offer for everyone from books galore to bargains, events, music, and more.
The Bathurst Bookfair takes place on Sunday, April 27 and there will be many book sellers throughout the village with books new and pre-loved; but there will also be the vibey and energetic Graeme College steel band playing from 1pm – 3pm at the Village Green. Raconteur and historian Alan Weyers’s theme for his fascinating talk at The Historic Pig n Whistle Inn at 10.30am is ‘Spirits of the Past’. The cost is R100 per person. There is a poetry reading by Corinne Willoughby and crew at The Stage for R75 per person starting at noon. There will also be Kids’ Storytime with Marion Walwyn at 10.30am at the Village Green which is free though donations are appreciated.
If you’re wanting to start your Bathurst weekend early, the day before the bookfair, Saturday April 26, there will be a Writers’ Workshop at St. John’s Lodge at R499 per person from 9am-4:30pm to sharpen those writing skills. The Saturday evening before the opening of the bookfair also sees a music tribute by Kurt Stone entitled The Singer-Poets at The Stage at 7pm for only R150 per person. Call Selena on 072 215 2727 for bookings.
Next weekend, there will be something special in Bathurst for everyone.
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, April 17, 2025. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
