York is host to many a recognised event that attracts visitors from near and far. From food markets to race days, these special occasions bring in the crowds even more so than the city’s everyday historical attractions. Whilst their impact is felt throughout, there is one event that brings the people in their thousands yet goes almost unnoticed beyond those who know. If that’s not already you, now is the time to get familiar with a city stalwart to be proud of. 

The York National Book Fair on the 13th and 14th of September is, believe it or not, the forty-sixth that the city has hosted, having grown from a modest gathering to a giant showcase, as organiser Janette Ray explains. “The first York Book Fair was held in 1974 at the White Swan Inn, with 20 exhibitors. It grew quickly, moving as it got larger, to De Grey Rooms, Assembly Rooms, The Barbican, then in 2008 to its present location at the Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse. It is now reputedly the largest of its kind in Europe.”

Those initial 20 exhibitors have now turned into 220, with approximately a million pounds of books sold last year. The choice is vast, with over 100,000 books of the rare, niche and antique, and also of more accessible material. “The fair attracts booksellers from throughout the UK and some from Europe and the USA as well”, confirms Janette. “Some specialise in particular subjects whilst others have a wide range of titles on their stands.” 

These include Jonkers from southern England and Voyager Press from Canada and America, both with rare books from the 1910s valued at £20-30,000. There are favourite local book stores exhibiting too, in the form of Lucius, Ken Spelman and York Modern Books. Additional creatives add to the mix, from local artist and winner of last year’s ‘best in show’ Lu Mason, who is producing a huge overhead bird mural inspired by James Audubon, to serenading York musicians Two Bobs, and even the tickets are by top York designer Mark Hearld. 

All of which makes York National Book Fair a must-go for literature obsessives, but also a welcoming visit for all. “It is aimed at anyone interested in books, ephemera, maps and the printed word in all its forms, and attracts clientele of all ages”, says Janette. “There is something for everyone, from the collector seeking the rare and unusual to the curious person seeking a good read. It is a special quality that all comers mingle under one roof.”

Janette herself has run her own bookshop in Bootham since 2000, selling “mainly out of print material with a sprinkling of new titles.” She describes the challenging changes that have happened in the industry since opening; “People are increasingly turning towards online purchasing. It is possible to also run an online shop which compensates for the decline of through the door sales but I prefer shops every time. There is the possibility of some friendly chatter, exchange of ideas and knowledge. Selling and buying online is very solitary.” 

Despite this, the continuing widespread love for the physical form remains evident. “Bookshops are destination locations and so is the book fair”, she enthuses. The area in which her shop resides is one which is thriving through a shared ethos amongst her like minded neighbours, providing optimism for the future.

“Bootham and Gillygate are definitely one of the go to spots in York for art and design and nearly all the shops and galleries are independents”, explains Janette. “The Fifth Quarter initiative has been brilliant in bringing traders together and created a sense of belonging and community. It is all a bit like a growing wave. I just hope it keeps growing.”

If the increasing popularity of the York National Book Fair is anything to go by, it surely will….