Tickets for 16th annual Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival are on sale now for the just-released program featuring renowned Australian and international authors, journalists, innovators and big thinkers.
Author, tennis star and commentator Jelena Dokic, Heather Morris fresh from the US release of the TV adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, best-selling crime and thriller writer Candice Fox, and social psychologist and best-selling author Hugh Mackay will all feature on the main stage. They join UK based headliners A.C. Grayling and Andrew O’Hagan, and much-loved Australian writers Wendy Harmer, William McInnes and Holly Ringland, who will all be in conversation about their new releases.
From Friday May 17 to Sunday May 19, the three-day storytelling spectacular features a variety of free and ticketed events in Margaret River, Augusta, Busselton and Dunsborough. This year there are two festival hubs, at Nala Bardip Mia – Margaret River HEART and at Shelter Brewing Co in Busselton. These venues will host highlight events including author in-conversation sessions, panels and writer’s workshops, and author dinners.
Festival and Creative Director of the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival, Sian Baker said: “The festival is about fostering a love of reading and writing, supporting all the budding writers in the region, celebrating a love of literature, a love of words, a love of storytelling and bringing people together. There’s something for everybody, it’s inclusive, creative and stimulating.”
Festival goers will have the opportunity to see some of the best new and emerging Western Australian authors at the writers’ workshops that cover a wide range of writing themes, skills and disciplines. For budding writers or those interested in the process of writing, there is a combination of free events on Friday 17 May at Nala Bardip Mia and other low-cost events throughout the weekend in the Writers Room to suit every budget. Writers’ events will also be hosted at the Busselton and Dunsborough Libraries.
There is also a dazzling program of special events hosted at partner venues around the region, including a highlight dinner with rockstar philosopher A.C. Grayling at Voyager Estate in Margaret River, an event inspired by the songs of Nick Cave at the River Hotel, Hello Keanu! A Poetry Anthology Book Launch and Open Mic event at Nala Bardip Mia, a Young Adult networking and microfiction competition at The Zone Room, Cultural Walks on Country hosted by Undalup Association, a Writing WA networking brunch at The Men’s Shed, author events and a writers’ workshop in Augusta, as well as the launch of poetry book G-d, Sleep, and Chaos at The Marritree in Witchcliffe.
Young Readers & Writers are invited to drop into Storytelling Snug at Nala Bardip Mia to be inspired and delighted by children’s authors Alton Walley, Isobel Bevis, Reece Carter, Kate Searle and Deb Fitzpatrick.
Due to its success in previous years, the Busselton Special Edition has been expanded from a one-day event to two days in 2024 on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19.
“It is an incredible privilege to be able to host this event in Busselton, the events capital of WA, with the passion and support of local venues, businesses, authors and our Busselton and Dunsborough communities,” Ms Baker said.
The Busselton Special Edition features author talks with best-selling crime and thriller writer Candice Fox, broadcaster and feminist author Clementine Ford and journalist and writer Julia Baird (Phosphorescence, and Bright Shining: How Grace Changes Everything). There is also a book launch of Night Parrot Press’ new anthology, Ourselves: 100 Micro Memoirs featuring readings from local South West based writers and free writer’s workshops.
Book lovers from the other side of the country now have a new opportunity to fly in to experience this outstanding event in the heart of the South West. Jetstar will operate direct flights from Sydney to Busselton from March 26 2024, the second anniversary of Jetstar’s inaugural flight from Melbourne to Busselton. Located on the coast, Busselton is approximately a 45-minute drive from Busselton to Margaret River, and it offers variety of accommodation options and quick access to world class surf beaches. Perfect for a family or literary holiday.
Tickets are now on sale now at www.mrrwfestival.com
