London Book Fair Hopes For Summer 2021 Return

London Book Fair organizers Reed Exhibitions revealed plans to return to Olympia Hall in late June 2021.

In March 2020, the London Book Fair became one of the first major publishing events forced to cancel as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.

This week, organizers revealed plans to return to Olympia Hall in late June 2021. Reed Exhibitions also announced appointment of Andy Ventris as the Fair’s new Director.

“Ventris said the decision to move to June 2021 was intended to create the best opportunity of hosting a live event,” reports Andrew Albanese, Publishers Weekly senior writer.

“Reed will make a final decision on the live event’s feasibility by the end of March, at the latest,” he tells CCC’s Chris Kenneally.

The extended timeline – London Book Fair originally planned its 2021 show for March – “acknowledges how much planning and resources go into preparation for a trade fair of this scale. The organizers are promising a safe event environment that meets the needs of visitors and exhibitors,” Albanese explained.

Every Friday, CCC’s “Beyond the Book” speaks with the editors and reporters of “Publishers Weekly” for an early look at the news that publishers, editors, authors, agents and librarians will be talking about when they return to work on Monday.