Third Book Fairy Festival Sets Attendance Record at UWI Regional Headquarters

The University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters became a gathering place for readers over the weekend as the Book Fairy Festival staged its third edition. Carrying the theme Lost in Wonderland, the site was reshaped into a space where book lovers, developing writers and first-time literary event-goers could share the same atmosphere.

Shanique Sinclair — known professionally as Shanz the Book Fairy and the festival's founder and curator — launched the three-day literary wellness programme last Friday with a live staging of Friday Night Bookish Lyme. From the opening night, guests were drawn into the festival's Wonderland mood.

Saturday's schedule centred on Purple Couch Chats, placing several established writers before live audiences. Roland Watson-Grant, Nicole Carr, Cleyvis Natera, Stephanie Hazle Lyle, Ebony LaDelle and Lizzie Damilola Blackburn were among those who took part.

The shift to a new venue earned favourable remarks from returning patrons and newcomers alike, with organisers reporting the highest turnout in the festival's history. Sinclair, working with her team, had aimed to shape a literary wellness gathering open to committed readers, aspiring authors and people who had never before attended such an event. She said the response left her encouraged.

"Watching strangers become friends over books, seeing children completely immersed in bookish activities and hearing authors say that Jamaica embraced them in such a genuine way reminded me that The Book Fairy Festival has become so much more than an event. It has become a community built around storytelling, wellness, human connection and, above all, a return to self and the purpose of that self," Sinclair shared.

Several featured writers stood out as clear crowd draws, and sales at the festival bookstore reflected that interest. Following Cebo Campbell's session, copies of Sky Full of Elephants sold out entirely. Asha Bromfield's Hurricane Summer also ranked among the day's strongest sellers.

Speaking with Living about Jamaica's hunger for new literary experiences and the rising support behind the festival, Sinclair said, "Every year, we have seen growth, not only in attendance but in the level of engagement from readers, partners, volunteers and authors. It reinforces our belief that literature deserves a place in mainstream Jamaican culture and that there is a real appetite for experiences that celebrate Caribbean voices alongside international talent."

Trinidad-born, United States-based author Justin Haynes, a featured writer at this year's festival, spoke about the role such events play in connecting Caribbean authors with readers. "You give people a platform, and more readers can know what's out there, because Caribbean people love to read. They love to read Caribbean books. They just have to know about the books," Haynes shared.

With the festival's programme expanding each year, activity ran steadily across the Wonderland-themed weekend. Visitors moved between multiple attractions throughout the grounds. The Artisan Village highlighted work from local creatives and their businesses, remaining busy through the day; several vendors sold out of stock before the festival closed.

The main stage hosted Purple Couch Chats covering publishing, business for the big screen, manhood, feelings and dealings in fiction, and dimensional storytelling. Those conversations unfolded alongside active artisan stalls and engaged young readers, bringing together passionate authors, literary enthusiasts and elements of Jamaica's creative culture under one roof.

Caribbean audiobook app Odiyo returned with a dedicated section where attendees could browse its growing library of regional audiobooks.

The festival also welcomed families. Children took part in painting activities in the Wellness Lounge, extending the event's offerings beyond literature.

Sinclair confirmed to Living that planning for next year's staging is already under way.