London Book Fair Sets Sights East: A New Chapter Begins at ExCeL in 2027
The London Book Fair is turning the page on a long-standing chapter of its history. Beginning in 2027, the Fair will relocate from Olympia London to ExCeL London in the city’s Docklands, marking a significant shift in both geography and ambition for one of publishing’s biggest global gatherings.
The move, scheduled for March 16–18, 2027, comes as part of a multi-year agreement and follows the completion of extensive redevelopment work at Olympia. While ExCeL briefly hosted the Fair in 2006—a year many attendees remember unfavorably—the organizers insist this is a very different ExCeL, and a very different moment for the industry.
Why the Change Now?
According to the London Book Fair’s Advisory Board, the decision was driven by a mix of practical needs and long-term vision. After broad consultation across the publishing world, the Board concluded that the Fair needed a venue that could better support accessibility, sustainability, and modern infrastructure—especially as the event continues to grow and evolve.
In a formal statement, the Fair emphasized priorities that go beyond square footage: improved accessibility, world-class facilities, stronger digital connectivity, and a clear commitment to environmental responsibility. ExCeL, they noted, already hosts hundreds of major events each year, many of which have successfully transitioned from Olympia.
A Bid to Redefine the Experience
London Book Fair Director Emma Lowe framed the move as an opportunity rather than a compromise. In announcing the relocation, she described ExCeL as both a venue and a partner capable of helping LBF raise the bar for international publishing events.
The goal, Lowe explained, is not simply to replicate the Fair in a new location, but to reimagine what the London Book Fair can be—more inclusive, more efficient, and more aligned with the needs of a global industry that increasingly depends on digital infrastructure and sustainable practices.
Accessibility and Infrastructure Catch Up
One of the biggest changes since ExCeL’s earlier turn hosting the Fair is connectivity—both literal and technological. The opening of London’s Elizabeth line has dramatically improved transport links to East London, making ExCeL far easier to reach from across the city and beyond.
The venue has also undergone a major £350 million investment program, including the installation of high-density Wi-Fi designed to support large, tech-heavy conferences. For an industry that now conducts rights meetings, livestreams, and hybrid programming as standard, those upgrades carry real weight.
A Fresh Start—with Long Memories
The 2006 experiment at ExCeL left scars, including industry grumbling and even talk of rival events. But Fair organizers appear confident that lessons were learned—and that both the venue and the publishing landscape have changed enough to warrant a second look.
Whether ExCeL can win over skeptics remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the London Book Fair is betting on reinvention, signaling that standing still is no longer an option for a truly global publishing show.