Hà Nội Book Festival 2022 is held in the pedestrian zone by Hoàn Kiếm (Sword) Lake from October 7-10. Photo courtesy of the organisers

HÀ NỘI The Hà Nội Book Festival returns for the bookworms in the capital city today after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opening ceremony of the book festival themed Truyền Thống Và Hội Nhập (Tradition and Integration), takes place in the pedestrian zone by Hoàn Kiếm (Sword) Lake today.

The 7th Hà Nội Book Festival 2022 is organised by the city's Department of Information and Communications in collaboration with the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution under the direction of the Hà Nội People's Committee and the Ministry of Information and Communications.

It is a part of the activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the traditional day of Việt Nam’s book publishing, printing and distribution sector (October 10, 1952 - 2022).

The book festival has been held annually in the capital city and has become a must-visited destination for book lovers every October.

However, the event was halted over the past two years due to the complicated situation of the pandemic. Returning to Hà Nội this year for three days, from October 7-9, the festival will include many new exciting events to attract participants.

Some highlights of this year’s event include exhibiting books with the theme of Tradition and Integration, launching new bestsellers, introducing books in about 200-250 booths, together with many other cultural exchange activities and reading contests.

Instead of being held in the former Thăng Long Imperial Citadel like the previous years, the festival this year takes place in the pedestrian zone, in front of Lý Thái Tổ Monument by Sword Lake.

According to the organisers, the change of its venue to an open space shaded with many trees will create a favourable reading space while facilitating cultural exchange activities and discussions between the authors and the readers.

In an interview with Zingnews.vn, Đào Phương Thu, deputy head of Communication Department of Nhã Nam Culture and Communication Joint Stock Company, said that many interesting activities have been prepared by the company to welcome the return of the book festival.

"On the first day of the Book Festival, we will launch a preference book about Hà Nội," she said, adding that this activity particularly matches the atmosphere of this year’s event.

Commenting on the new venue, Thu added: "This is such a beautiful place with poetic scenery, located right in the city centre so it is easy to access. I find it a very suitable space for the organisation of the Hà Nội Book Fair." VNS