Coronavirus outbreak: Book fairs and events cancelled

The novel coronavirus, which started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has since then spread to nearly 70 countries. The disease has infected over 95,000 people and resulted in over 3,000 deaths worldwide, creating a global panic. People are keeping minimal contact with others and avoiding public gatherings. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, we list down some important book fairs and events which have been cancelled across the world to prevent the spreading of the disease. Read on:

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), which was expecting the participation of 1500 exhibitors from 80 countries, got cancelled this year but news is that it will now go digital. The annual event will host an online rights hub and webinars on May 4. Talking about the development, Elena Pasoli, BCBF exhibitions manager, said according to The Bookseller that they will play the role "as the biggest rights marketplace for children’s content”. She also said, “And here we are, offering the business stage and the creative highlights of the industry, with the aim of expanding even more the reach of the magnificent work of children’s book publishers, agents, illustrators, authors and licensing professionals.” The programme of the digital BCBF festival will be announced on April 23.

(Photo: Pexles)

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Edinburgh International Book Festival for this year has been cancelled. Instead, the charity is planning to host online events this summer where "writers can share their stories, ideas and perspectives with others".

(Photo: Pexles)