Huge literary festival set to hit Brampton this month

A major literary festival that’s set to kick off in Brampton this month will feature both virtual and in-person events and a considerable array of acclaimed authors. 

The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) 2023, Canada’s first festival dedicated to diverse authors and storytellers, will kick off on April 30 and run until May 7. 

The annual event, which launched in 2016 and is slated to feature over 50 authors from Canada and around the world, will host its in-person events at Brampton’s Rose Theatre. 

In a news release, organizers said this year’s festival will commence with a virtual festival and transition into a mix of in-person and hybrid events. Some authors set to appear at the festival include Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Britta Badour, Jesmeen Kaur Deo, Cherie Dimaline, Ali Hassan, Catherine Hernandez and more. 

Other authors will appear virtually, including Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Cody Caetano, Michael Christie, Gia de Cadenet, R. Barri Flowers and others.

Those who want to enjoy the festivities virtually can also download the FOLD’s mobile app. 

The festival will boast a number of online events, including Disabled Futures, Canada Reads – The Final Tea, and Publishing 101. In-person events include The Historical Fiction High Tea and the Spoken Word Showcase, as well as the return of The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret. 

All in-person events will include book signings. 

“Every year we ask ourselves: how can we create a more meaningful experience for people who know the FOLD and for those who are new to the festival,” said FOLD Executive Director Jael Richardson in a news release. 

“This year, it’s all about making connections – both virtually and in person. Literary festivals are like concerts for writers and book lovers and we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the festival in a meaningful way.”

Virtual passes cost $20, and virtual and in-person passes cost $45. Specialty events, such as Dine and Draw, The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret and The Historical Fiction High Tea are an additional cost of $20 to $25. 

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