Will there be a women's book fair in Saint-Quay-Portrieux?
For several years, the Women's Book Fair has established itself as a highly anticipated cultural event in Saint-Quay-Portrieux, bringing together around thirty authors, mostly from Brittany, for meetings, signings, and conferences. Previous editions had been widely announced several months in advance, and participants were generally contacted early enough to prepare for their attendance. Lire en Bretagne has extensively circulated the list of fairs for 2026/2027 on their official website with references from the organizers. Nothing for Saint-Quay-Portrieux.
This year, heading towards the 10th edition, the silence is intriguing. To date, no official communication regarding a potential 2026 edition has been released, and several authors indicate they have not been approached. The disappointment is immense. There had been vague talk of a new fair titled "Women Write the World," but a conjugated phrase cannot serve as a title. Since then, nothing… who is doing what? Rumors suggest it will only be reserved for headliners? The already well-fed will thus consume the bread of our loyal authors, contrary to the basic principle of previous years with free stands and meals offered in a respectful welcome.
A situation that raises many questions within the Breton literary community. Some writers, regulars of the event, express concern about not receiving any information, whereas registrations and invitations were traditionally sent out well in advance. Many are now wondering: will the fair take place this year? For most of them, it is their livelihood despite a challenging profession that seems no longer recognized.
While no announcement currently confirms that the event is canceled, the lack of communication fuels speculation. The authors hope to receive answers soon so they can organize their fair calendar, often established several months in advance.
Reminder:
Created in 2017, the Women's Book Fair has become, over the editions, a recognized event that highlights literature written by women in a friendly and intimate atmosphere. The organization of the event required six months of preparation: regulations, registrations, hosting conditions, biographies of the writers for the press kit, and the final program with selected conferences and videos, as well as all the logistics and decoration for the event. And the spotlight on a writer.
To be continued…
