SIBF’s presence enriches Chiswick Book Festival 2012

Jumbo Editorial Team

The participation of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) added value to the fourth edition of the Chiswick Book Festival, held in London from September 14 to 16, which turned out to be a great event with the proactive authors, interviewers, helpers, cake-makers, audiences, sponsors, booksellers and venue hosts.

The SIBF was represented at the Chiswick Book Festival by its versatile Director, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri, spreading the message of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who remains passionate to promote knowledge and extend bridges of cultural communication with the outside world. 

 The SIBF participation in the London event also provided an opportunity of promoting the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair 2012, a well-reputed and major event in the Arab region which gathers thousands of book lovers every year from across the world.

“We are always keen to participate in all global events as they allow us to promote knowledge and understand various cultures. The Chiswick Book Festival offered a brilliant opportunity to publishers, distributors, writers, and intellectuals to exchange ideas and expertise and meet with the directors of various international book fairs,” Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri reckoned. 

"The event, which is one of the most prestigious book festivals in the world, was attended by the leading international publishing houses and big names in the field of literature, therefore offering an ideal platform for publishers, authors and other professionals for networking, the exchange of ideas, and an opportunity to gain an understanding of the dynamic cultures of the world," the SIBF Director added.

The Chiswick Book Festival 2012 was officially opened by renowned children's book author Cressida Cowell, followed by speeches from top world writers who spoke about their inspiration in writing books. 

 The iconic figure of Michael Palin, actor, comedian, novelist and legendary travel writer, delivered a keynote address during which he spoke at length about his novel 'The Truth'. The festival lived up to the billing of being one of west London’s literary highlights. 

This year’s stellar line up included A.N.Wilson, Cressida Cowell, Jeremy Vine, Michael Palin, Clare Balding, Antony Beevor, M.C.Beaton, Anne Sebba, Lawrence Norfolk, Kate Colquhoun, Sophie Hannah, Stav Sherez, Mike Marshall, Andy Briggs, Rose Prince, Simon Brett, Julia Gregson, Lucinda Riley, Adam Smith and India Knight.