The 2025 edition of the Adam Small festival was staged in Pniël from 21 to 23 February. Festival impresario Darryl David shares his thoughts and photographs.
The beautiful Pniël Congregational Church, home to the Adam Small festival.
Willemien Brümmer (right) interviewing Ronnie Donaldson of Stellenbosch University (middle), with executive mayor of Stellenbosch, Jeremy Fasser, in the hot seat, answering questions about gentrification in areas like Kylemore, Pniël, Johannesdal and Jamestown.
Dominique Botha and Fanie Olivier paying tribute to Breyten Breytenbach at the Adam Small festival.
The lanes of Lanquedoc.
Cars enjoying the sublime views of the mountains from the family home of Dominique Botha’s parents, Andries and Sandra Botha. Since the inception of the Adam Small festival they have treated writers like royalty on the Saturday afternoon of the festival.
Johnny Davids gave the talk of the festival about his memoir Boytjie. I said after the talk that it was the greatest session I have witnessed at book festivals over the last 20 years, and I’ve been around the block a few times.
Chareldine van der Merwe in gesprek met Quintin “Jitsvinger” Goliath, Sandra Theron en Frazer Barry by die Ommietafelgesprek, geborg deur die ATKV.
Michael le Cordeur was die gasspreker vir vanjaar se Adam Small-gedenklesing, geborg deur die Stigting vir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans. In die voorgrond is SBA-stigterslid Steward van Wyk.
Riku Lätti on keyboard with poet Churchil Naudé (middle) and Riku’s wife Jackie providing harmony. What a phenomenal session. One of the absolute highlights of this year’s Adam Small festival.
Scenes en route to the Adam Small festival. On mornings like this, you know it’s going to be a good day.
The beautiful book-themed decor in the dining hall of the Pniël Congregational Church where we served lunch to all festival goers.
Ena Jansen het die sewende Adam Small-fees geopen. Die vertaling van die Nederlandse roman Max Havelaar is ’n groot oomblik in die Afrikaanse letterkunde. Dit was ’n gepaste boek vir die opening van die grootste Adam Small-fees tot op hede.
Willem Fransman jr is een van die grootste kenners van Adam Small se oeuvre.
Adam Small’s message to me at the end of our greatest festival since 2017. Seen on my way back home.
See also:
Die Adam Small Boekefees 2025: ’n onderhoud met Darryl David