Organisers of the Hong Kong Book Fair said on Tuesday that they hope total turnout for the upcoming event could surpass the 2018 record of 1.04 million.

The book fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and now in its 35th year, will feature the theme "Reading the World: Food Culture & Future Living" this year.

"The theme for the year is truly meaningful as both food and reading serve as carriers of culture," said Sophia Chong, deputy executive director of the HKTDC.

"We hope the theme of the year will encourage people to explore diverse aspects of food culture through reading."

For the first time, it will include a "Cultural and Creative Products Zone", highlighting intangible cultural heritage through interactive experiences.

"We are sure that it will attract some public audience that would love to dive deep into the cultural and creative aspects behind the books," Chong said.

She also said the fair acts as a platform for east-meets-west exchange and promotes Hong Kong's status as an international cultural exchange centre. "We hope the Hong Kong Book Fair could continue to play an important role in inviting diversified culture and books to be promoted through the fair in Hong Kong."

The book fair will run from July 16 to July 22 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Admission fees for adults and children are set at HK$30 and HK$10 respectively.

To celebrate the fair's 35th anniversary, visitors born in 1990 can enjoy free entry, along with those who are three years old or younger and people aged 65 or above.