Bologna book fair cancelled

Due to the spread of coronavirus in Italy, organisers of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) have cancelled this year’s rescheduled event, which was due to run from 4–7 May.

The news follows the recent withdrawals of Penguin Random House (all staff worldwide) and Simon & Schuster (UK and US staff) from the fair.

In a statement, fair organisers said: ‘Unfortunately, the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic both in Italy and internationally has dashed our hopes of holding the fair even on the recently announced rescheduled dates of 4–7 May. BolognaFiere has therefore taken the difficult decision to wait no further and act now to enable the professional community … to rethink its plans.

‘Bologna will nonetheless be present: the BCBF team is working to recreate online the atmosphere and the business and networking opportunities that make both Bologna Children’s Book Fair and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair a unique event, the most important go-to venue for the children’s publishing world.’

Describing it as ‘an unprecedented situation’ BCBF general manager Antonio Bruzzone said: ‘The aim, now more than ever, is to support businesses and ensure the best circumstances for the repositioning of individual initiatives in light of this situation’.

‘[Given that] 90% of fair exhibitors are from abroad, it would have been unthinkable for us to propose an event at which participants would not be able to take part with the necessary peace of mind and in the atmosphere of friendship and collaboration that characterises this great international community,’ Bruzzone added.

Next year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair is scheduled for 12–15 April 2021.

Category: International news