{"id":522318,"date":"2025-10-23T13:55:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T13:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/522318\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T13:55:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T13:55:17","slug":"boektopia-festival-returns-to-kortrijk-this-weekend-amid-uncertainty-over-its-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/522318\/","title":{"rendered":"Boektopia Festival returns to Kortrijk this weekend amid uncertainty over its future"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The fifth edition of Boektopia opens on Saturday at Kortrijk Xpo, bringing together book lovers, publishers and authors from Belgium and abroad. Over nine days, until Sunday 2 November, the halls of Kortrijk will once again buzz with readings, signings and literary encounters. Last year, the festival drew nearly 54,000 visitors, a 13 per cent increase, confirming its role as Flanders\u2019 leading celebration of books after the demise of the Antwerp Book Fair.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beyond Kortrijk, Boektopia on Tour extends the spirit of the festival throughout November, with literary events in Leuven, Genk, Hasselt, Antwerp and Aalst, ensuring that readers across Flanders can share in the experience.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 BELGA VIDEO LINDE WALTERS\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, despite its growing popularity, Boektopia\u2019s future remains uncertain. The contract between Boektopia and Kortrijk Xpo expires at the end of 2025, and discussions are ongoing about the festival\u2019s long-term home and funding. Flemish minister of culture Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) told the Flemish Parliament\u2019s Culture Committee that she is determined to \u201cguarantee Boektopia\u2019s continuation,\u201d but that the issue is tied to negotiations over a new management agreement with Literatuur Vlaanderen (Flanders Literature). She aims to finalise the agreement before year\u2019s end so that Boektopia can \u201ccommunicate about future editions in conjunction with\u201d it.<\/p>\n

N-VA MP Griet Vanryckegem welcomed the minister\u2019s commitment but expressed concern over the broader budgetary constraints affecting the cultural sector. Referring to cuts impacting institutions like the Royal Academy of Dutch Language and Literature (KANTL) and Ons Erfdeel, she advised the government to ensure that \u201creading and reading promotion will not emerge weakened.\u201d
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#FlandersNewsService | Boektopia book fair in Kortrijk \u00a9 BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE<\/p>\n

Related news<\/strong><\/p>\n

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