Par
Benoit Doyen
Published on
Oct 19, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
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Over the course of its editions and the different forms it has taken, the book fair d’Ault (Somme) has made a good place for itself in the local cultural and literary landscape. A place he will find again this year, Sunday October 20.
Some small changes and new features should be noted for this 2024 edition, but its basis remains unchanged: 45 auteurs will take over the room of the old casino to meet readers and curious people.
Eclecticism and locality
Once focused on crime fiction, the event became more general again a few years ago. And this is very good, since Cécile Caëlsattached to the cultural policies of the municipality, focuses on eclecticism. “All styles will be represented,” she rejoices. “Novels, thrillers, biographies, youth, historical, poetry… even science fiction! »
All represented by almost exclusively local authors, again an assumed choice. “It’s a real bias to highlight the local cultural and literary pool,” continues Cécile Caëls. “Almost all of the authors present come from Hauts-de-France. »
Among these 45 authors, some names are now well known, such as Béatrice de Lavalette, Eulalie Steens and Didier Louvel. Some will even serve as real stage premises, such as Jean-Louis DercheAultois who will present his brand new novel for the occasion.
Other essential names will also be there such as Xavier Becquet or Véronique Dorison, great-great-granddaughter of Charles Brehamet, a name well known to the people of Ault since a street was named in his honor.
Changes and new features
The most attentive among you may have already guessed: this 2024 edition of the Aultois book fair is fully organized by the municipality. A small break with previous years, where the event was supported by the association of Dynamic Aultoise. “The choice was made to ensure fully municipal delivery, simply for reasons of logistical simplicity,” explains Cécile Caëls. “But the Dynamique Aultoise will of course be a partner of the event. »
Another small novelty to note: the presence of exhibitors other than the authors, such as painters or associations. “Five associations will be present, more or less directly linked to reading and books,” continues the cultural policy manager. “We will have, for example, the Lire et Faire Lire association, or the Friends of the Belfry, in partnership with the small museum. »
A tribute to Léo Lapointe
This book fair will also be an opportunity for the municipality to pay tribute to an author who had very close ties with Ault: Léo Lapointe, who died last June at the age of 71. “He was not only a man of incredible kindness, but who had also established friendships with many authors who will be present at the show,” explains Alain Niquet, deputy mayor in charge of culture. “Paying homage to him was obvious. »
This tribute will take place at 3 p.m., and should see several speakers take the floor, the town councilor Marcel Le Moigne in the lead. A painting representing the deceased writer, created by watercolorist Isabelle Duquesne, will also be presented before taking its place in the municipal library.
Finally, the Readers’ Prize will be back, but also with one small difference: the constitution of a jury for the adult readership prize. The young audience prize will always come from work carried out with some 80 students from the Simone Veil school.
Ault Book Fair, Sunday October 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the room of the old casino. Inauguration of the show at 11 a.m., Readers’ Awards ceremony at 4 p.m.
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