Maebashi BOOK FES 1, a book festival that connects a heartfelt book with new people, will be held in the center of Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture on Saturday, October 2024th and Sunday, October 10th.

The second event in two years was started from the idea of ​​Shigesato Itoi, who said, "If there is a rock festival, there should be a book festival too." The main focus is on "book exchanges," which is different from a used book market, and various book-related programs are planned, such as talk shows, readings, music, and workshops that children can enjoy.

The books on display at the venue were sent to Maebashi with the thought, "I don't read them anymore, but it would be a shame to throw them away," or "I want to give them to someone else who wants to read them." After meeting and talking with the books and people, participants can take home a book.

This year, in addition to the "book exchange," there will be the opportunity to sample gourmet food from the shopping district, and there will also be a "Maebashi City Camp" where you can enjoy an outdoor experience with a book you found at the festival in hand.

There are two camping sites: the "Prefectural Office Area," where you can camp on the large lawn in front of the prefectural office, the tallest in Japan, and the "Hirosegawa Area," where you can feel the water and greenery of Taro Okamoto's "Bell of the Sun." You can spend a special time poring over a book while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Maebashi, where the city and greenery blend together.

When held in 2022, the event is expected to attract 2 visitors over two days, far exceeding expectations. Why not come and experience the joy that can be created by "books," "people," and "towns"?

◆Maebashi BOOK FES 2024
[Dates] Saturday, October 2024th and Sunday, October 10th, 19 20:10-00:17
[Venue] Downtown area of ​​Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
Chuo-dori, Benten-dori, Maebashi Central Event Square, Maebashi Plaza Genki 21, etc.
[Contents] "Book exchanges," "book events" such as talk shows and workshops, campsites, etc.

◆Maebashi City Camp
[Date and time] Saturday, October 10th, set up begins at 19:14, Sunday, October 10th, removal completes at 20:16
【place】
① Prefectural Office Area (1-1-1 Otemachi, Maebashi City)
②Hirosegawa area (3-3 Jotocho, Maebashi City, around the observation bridge)
[Fee] 3000 yen/tent