A huge crowd turned out for Harbourfront Centre’s annual pre-party for the International Festival of Authors, held at Toula in Toronto. (Photos by Rick Mugford / Courtesy of IFOA.)

Former M&S owner Avie Bennett embraces Harbourfront Festival Prize winner Dionne Brand, while ECW Press editor Michael Holmes (right) is caught mid-growl.

Book TV’s Peter Wolfe catches the camera’s eye from the middle of the throng.

International Readings at Harbourfront director Geoffrey Taylor welcomes the crowd, with Avie Bennett’s encouragement.

 This time it’s Cormorant Books owner Marc Cote.