Its finally time for the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s biggest and longest running book fair. It has taken me a few years to get my timing right on this one but I have finally managed to not just attend but also put pen to paper. I also had the benefit this year of going early so that I could write something useful for everyone else before the weekend public opening.

The book fair is already busy with lots going on, but the first three days are reserved for industry visitors (and you may well wonder how I got in early!). From tomorrow the fair is open to the public for the whole weekend. Unfortunately it isn’t free, of course, but costs €19 for one day and €28 for the whole weekend. It is worth the investment though if you are interested in anything literary.

The fair is organised into regions of the world and takes over pretty much the whole of the Messe venue. This year the guest of honour is Flanders/Netherlands. Next year will be France. In the first few days, there are a lot of presentations, talks, award ceremonies and guided tours, so for most people there is nothing missed. Of course, it isn’t as busy as at the weekend. This weekend will be packed, especially in the popular halls, like anime, where crowds of youngsters in costume turned up last year. I am sure it will happen again.

I highly recommend going online and looking at the different events and locations before you visit. If you try to figure it out on the day, you will miss a lot because there is so much going on.

Some of the highlights this year include ‘THE ARTS+‘ in hall 4.1, where new and established businesses are presenting the latest technologies and innovation in the cultural industry. Most eyecatching is the use of virtual reality with a number of stands demonstrating everything from Google’s Cardboard to Oculus Rift. It is pretty interesting to watch how museums and galleries are going hi-tech!

and a last must-visit hall is the Gourmet Hall in 3.1. There is some focus on cook books, but luckily it is mainly about the real thing! There are cooking demonstrations and food to try from all over the world. Top of my list is going to be on Saturday with BBQ World Master Peter DeClercq who is going to do a grill demonstration at stand L99 from 12:30 to 13:30…