The exhibition floor in Gothenburg has been teeming with visitors during the four-day fair – 93,661 were counted when the cultural event reached its final on Sunday. This is more than last year's figure, 85,936. The statistics show the total number of visitors, not unique visitors.
This year's book fair is really a statement of strength that literature and reading are highly present, says Frida Edman.
New target groups
According to Edman, this year's fair has attracted new target groups, with the main themes "Sápmi" and "Space" – including more men. But also more families with children have visited the fair.
Last year's new and developed initiative, the children's area, with the reading tent and a small stage, has inspired even more. The theme of space has also attracted many children to the book fair.
Swedish astronaut Marcus Wandt made almost record-breaking appearances, according to Edman.
YouTube comedy group IJustwantToBeCool held a fully booked live podcast on Sunday – with 1,500 visitors. In addition, the queues were long for Marcus and Martinus.
Many wanted to see Joyce Carol Oates
American author Joyce Carol Oates, who received the newly established literature prize Sjöjungfrun, also drew many listeners.
I personally will really take with me all the stories from Sápmi that we have been given. It has been a unique initiative, says Edman.
The theme included 60 stage talks and 26 seminars.
I really hope that this large cultural manifestation for Sami literature and culture can be the beginning of something.
Took place between September 26 and 29.
This year, 777 exhibitors participated and 302 seminars were held.
This year's fair is the 40th in order and had Sápmi and Space as the two themes.
Among this year's authors on site were Joyce Carol Oates, who received the fair's newly established prize Sjöjungfrun.
Also among others, Ingemar Stenmark, Marcus and Martinus, as well as astronauts Christer Fuglesang and Marcus Wandt participated.
In one of this year's news in the seminar program, "Musikspåret", among others, Miriam Bryant and Maxida Märak participated.
Next year's themes will be "Drama" and "Love and Desire".
