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2005 Book
Fair Review 07.01.05. With
only two organisers yet to confirm the dates for their one-day fairs, it now seems
safe to take a look at this year's numbers. The
2005 calendar shows a continued decline in the number of fair dates, from 659
in 2004 to 604 this year. This represents a year on year drop of about 8%. Whilst
this is considerably less than the 12% drop last year, it still represents a cumulative
drop of 24.5% from the high point of 2002. The
biggest losses have been 12 dates at Milton Keynes, 12 at Bebington, and the second
day at Long Melford (9 dates). The PBFA are holding 10 less fairs than in 2004,
the same net loss as last year, leaving them with 141 dates. 12
of last year's organisers have given up, and we are waiting for two others to
confirm their single date fairs. Only one of the retiring organiser's venues has
been taken over by a new promoter (Sherborne & Shaftesbury). However, 7 new organisers
are holding fairs at different venues, a considerable increase on last year (2). As
ever, It should be noted that the above figures must be regarded as approximate,
and any conclusions must be drawn with caution. However, it would seem safe to
make some observations. The
rate of decline has slowed and the willingness of new organisers to try different
venues has increased. Both positive signs, but far too early to judge its significance. On
the ground, the monthly fairs I visit seem to be in some difficulty. The turnover
of exhibitors shows no sign of slowing and the quality of stock continues to decline.
One promoter
says that over a ten year period customer numbers have declined from 700 to 300,
and after years of exhibitor waiting lists, he now has a third of his places unfilled.
Obviously, declining
visitor numbers make it less attractive to dealers to stand, and in turn, the
fairs become less attractive to visitors. The
word from PBFA exhibitors is more mixed, but a number have told me that they are
significantly cutting the fairs they will stand at this year. As a consequence
there is space at all but the most prestigious venues. In
conclusion, whilst on the face of it the numbers are rather more encouraging than
last year, it's difficult to see how the spiral of decline can be halted, without
significant retrenchment and consolidation. TheBookGuide
is always interested to hear from fair visitors, exhibitors and organisers alike,
you can add your comment here. 2004
Book Fair Review. How
are book fairs coping with the changing face of bookselling? TheBookGuide looks
back over the last four years and finds a decline of 17.5% | 
