The opening weekend of Boektopia 2025 in Kortrijk began with remarkable enthusiasm, drawing a record number of visitors and setting a promising tone for the week ahead. According to organisers, this year’s event saw even larger crowds than its previous edition, which had already reached an all-time high.
On Saturday morning, eager readers queued early outside the Kortrijk Xpo venue, keen to be among the first to explore the festival’s vast range of books, author talks, and activities.
The excitement carried into Sunday, with the venue once again bustling with families, students, and literary enthusiasts from across Belgium. Boektopia’s new director, Lore Vanaudenhove, expressed her joy at the strong start, noting the effort that went into organising the event.
“We worked for months towards this moment, so it’s wonderful to see so many people finding their way to Boektopia,” she said. “This is just the beginning, and we hope to maintain this positive trend throughout the week.”
Last year’s festival set a record with 53,600 visitors, and organisers are optimistic about surpassing that milestone in 2025. The early turnout has already exceeded expectations, reflecting the festival’s growing appeal among both casual readers and devoted book lovers.
In addition to the impressive visitor numbers, this year’s presentations and discussion sessions have drawn significantly larger audiences. Organisers reported that attendance at author talks, panel discussions, and literary workshops has tripled compared to the same period last year.
Despite offering the same number of sessions, Boektopia has witnessed a surge in engagement, suggesting that visitors are increasingly eager to interact with authors and delve deeper into literary conversations.
The festival’s diverse programme features book signings, panel debates, readings, and family activities, catering to all ages and interests. Renowned Belgian and international authors are taking part, offering insights into their creative processes and engaging directly with readers.
Visitors praised the event’s vibrant atmosphere and accessibility, noting that Boektopia has become more than just a book fair — it’s a cultural celebration. “You can feel the energy everywhere,” one attendee said. “It’s not just about buying books; it’s about meeting the people behind them.”
As the festival continues through Sunday, 2 November, organisers remain confident that Boektopia will once again close with record-breaking figures. With its mix of inspiration, creativity, and community spirit, Boektopia has firmly established itself as Belgium’s premier book event — one that continues to grow in both scale and significance each year.
Boektopia’s success story is a testament to the enduring power of books and storytelling in bringing people together — reminding everyone that in Kortrijk, reading truly comes alive.
