Not easy to find if you don't know the city, but in time we arrived and it was worth the effort, not so much for the quality and variety of stock, which largely comprised books published during the past 50 years, but rather for the good spirit that prevailed. People there genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Dealers are admitted an hour prior to the 10 o'clock official opening and it's likely during that period much of the serious buying is done. By 11am, when we arrived, most buyers were looking for cheap books to read or for reference.

Jane Simmonds has organised the event for the past five years, although the fair has been held in the same excellent British Aerospace venue since 1991. 'There used to be a simultaneous PBFA fair,' she told me.' The joint effort worked well, except that theirs was also called the Bristol Book Fair, which caused some confusion among the public'.

'We have thirty exhibitors and usually 300 to 400 visitors. Like most fairs it gets quiet in the afternoon, but just the same there's a list of people waiting to join us as exhibitors. We do positively encourage new people, both established dealers and newcomers.'

Some visitors, like my sister, had an eye for Christmas present bargains, of which there was no shortage. 'It's wonderful', said Thelma as we emerged, 'and the prices are cheaper than at Oxfam.'

Get along if you can. Five fairs are scheduled for 2005 and at www.inprint.co.uk/bristolbookfair/ you'll find a map. Or ring Mrs Simmonds on 01275-341616.

Reprinted with permission. 04.02.05     Home