(L-R) Walferdange Mayor François Sauber; Viviane Hecker from the municipal administration; Christophe de Jamblinne, representative of the Luxembourg Publishers' Federation; Sonia da Silva, Director of the Institut Pierre Werner;
Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu
On Thursday 29 October 2026, the municipality of Walferdange and the Walfer Bicherdeeg organising committee held a press conference in Maison Dufaing in Walferdange to present the programme for the 31st edition of Luxembourg's largest book fair.
The programme was presented by Walferdange Mayor François Sauber, alongside Viviane Hecker from the municipal administration, Christophe de Jamblinne, representative of the Luxembourg Publishers' Federation (Fédération Luxembourgeoise des Éditeurs de Livres), and Sonia da Silva, Director of the Institut Pierre Werner.
The event will take place in several sites in Walferdange centre, from 10:00 to 19:00 on Saturday 21 November and from 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday 22 November 2026. Held under the theme "Open Oueren" (Open Ears), the fair will feature literary readings, book presentations, exhibitions, music and activities for children.
At Centre Prince Henri the book fair will be divided in three main sections: children's books; second-hand books; and professional exhibitors selling new publications, with authors attending to meet readers and sign books. The event will bring together more than 170 exhibitors, including publishers, booksellers and authors presenting their latest publications.
Among the highlights of the programme surrounding the book fair will be the first Luxembourg appearance of German bestselling author Caroline Wahl, known for her novels 22 Bahnen (2023) and Windstärke 17 (2024). On Friday 20 November 2026, ahead of the main weekend event, she will present her latest novel, 1999 Meter über dem Meer (1999 metres above sea level). The event will be moderated by literary critic Jérôme Jaminet in cooperation with the Institut Pierre Werner.
The weekend will also feature 22 readings at Maison Dufaing in Walferdange, organised in cooperation with the National Literature Centre (CNL) and Luxembourgish publishers.
The outdoor stage will combine literature and music through performances linked to the annual theme. Authors participating in the Walfer Writers' Residency will present specially commissioned texts accompanied by live music.
Meanwhile, The Books for Kids programme at Centre Prince Henri will include a dedicated book market, 21 readings and creative workshops.
A new listening experience developed with Radio 100,7 will allow children to discover Luxembourgish audio stories, while the Soulfood tent, located next to the Food Village, will offer a space for visitors to eat and relax.
On Sunday afternoon, for the participants aged sixteen and over, Books&Beats workshop, organised with Rotondes, will combine literature and music. The programme will also include photography exhibitions, the Young Authors Contest award ceremony, along with Luxembourgish dictation competition.
The Food Village will feature eight food trucks and reusable tableware to reduce waste.
Speaking with Chronicle.lu following the press conference, Mayor Sauber described the event as both national and international, attracting visitors from Luxembourg and neighbouring countries, including France, Germany and Belgium. "We expect about 12,000 people to visit us," he said.
Asked about this year's programme, he emphasised the importance of encouraging reading and participation in cultural activities. "Culture and reading is very important," he added.
Mayor Sauber highlighted Caroline Wahl's appearance as one of the new features of this year's programme, noting that organisers expect between 500 and 600 people to attend the reading.
Further information and the programme, available at www.bicherdeeg.lu.
