PIET MARAIS
The Bathurst Book Fair was a notable success this year, attracting a large crowd and creating a lively environment for book enthusiasts. The event featured a variety of literary activities, including poetry readings, a lively talk on the history of the Ndlambe region and an opportunity to discuss publishing with a local publisher and writer.
“This year’s fair saw a significant rise in attendance, with estimates suggesting a turnout of a couple of thousand people, surpassing the previous year’s figures. The parking situation reflected this success, with more cars than ever before,” said Ian Balchin, owner of the popular Fables Bookshop. He estimates that there were at least 2,000 visitors.
The fair not only celebrated literature but also positively affected the local economy, benefiting businesses like the Pig & Whistle pub, which experienced increased patronage. Local vendors and publishers participated actively, showcasing a diverse range of books and engaging with attendees, said Balchin.
The event featured cultural elements like performances by a local steel band, adding to the festive atmosphere and making it a vibrant community gathering. The Graeme College steel band, the longest running in the country and founded by Steven Laurie, added to the vibrancy and festive atmosphere. The Graeme College steel band is known for its lively and engaging performances, making it a beloved part of the community.
Apart from the local restaurants there were several food stalls and, in the area, surrounding the Pig and Whistle, The Bathurst Arms, The Stage and the Village Green. Visitors could choose refreshments ranging from pizzas and lasagne to carrot cake, coffees, soup, burgers, breakfasts, pancakes, wraps, roast dinner at the Pig and Whistle served with quality wine and sparkling wine, cheesecake, cupcakes, boerewors rolls and much more, including an interesting, Impala curry!
The day kicked off with the Alan Weyers’s talk on Spirits of the Past in which he captivates the audience with his insights and stories.
He has been described as an Eastern Cape pineapple farmer and raconteur with a story worth telling. It is made up of prophecies and politics; Xhosa, Khoisan and cricket matches; stunned settlers and fed-up farmers; rebels and revolutionaries, a few pivotal battles and a war that went on for more than 100 years.
Despite having attended talks by Weyers in the past, this reporter is consistently amazed by his ability to deliver fresh, entertaining, and gripping presentations each time.
The most charming part of the day was the poetry reading held at The Stage. With a mixture of readings of well known and revered poets as well their own creations, the members of the Bathurst Poetry Club provided a gem of a presentation. Anyone with even a remote interest in poetry should consider this delightful and charming club. It is well worth the drive if you are not too far from Bathurst.
The highlight of the day was coming across the Southern Right Publishing Stall. They are a small independent publishing house founded by writers David Bristow and Monty Roodt. Visitors had the opportunity to meet and discuss publishing with Monty Roodt and author Alan Haller.
Southern Right Publishers prioritises the love of writing and authors, offering a more author-friendly approach compared to traditional publishing models. As a resident of the village, Monty Roodt, who lectured at Rhodes University, is a Bathurstian to the very marrow, embodying everything the Bathurst Bookfair stands for.
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This article was first published in Talk of the Town, May 1, 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.
