Newcastle's Feast of Stories returns this April
Newcastle is set to welcome an impressive lineup of literary talent when the Newcastle Writers Festival returns from 4 to 6 April, bringing 150 acclaimed authors to venues across the city and extending to Cessnock and Port Stephens.
Jimmy Barnes, Helen Garner, Jane Caro, Mark Dapin, Geraldine Brooks, Di Morrissey, Ziggy Ramo, John Safran, and Antony Loewenstein are among the notable voices who will grace this year's festival stages.
The festival officially begins with an opening night gala on 4 April in Newcastle City Hall. This year’s special guest is Gina Chick, the winner of the inaugural Alone Australia series and author of best-selling memoir We Are the Stars. Benjamin Law will host the conversation, which will be a live version of his popular Good Weekend magazine series Dicey Topics.
The star-studded program features appearances from beloved performer Jimmy Barnes, Masterchef favorite Julie Goodwin, media personality Jane Caro, bestselling thriller author Michael Robotham, and respected journalist Virginia Trioli.
Literary enthusiasts can also look forward to sessions with acclaimed authors Robbie Arnott, James Bradley, Michelle de Kretser, Helen Garner, Kate Grenville, and Markus Zusak.
Festival director Rosemarie Milsom describes this year's offerings as a "feast for story-lovers."
"Whether you want to learn more about a favourite author, discover an exciting new talent, or simply enjoy the collective buzz of being among people who enjoy books, there is an event for you," she said.
The diverse program features readings, panel discussions, interviews, book launches, a literary trivia night, family activities, and a dedicated program at the University of Newcastle's Wollotuka Institute featuring First Nations activist Thomas Mayo and award-winning poet Jeanine Leane.
Music lovers can enjoy the return of Words & Music at the Conservatorium on 5 April. Curated by Nick Milligan, this unique event showcases local and visiting musicians performing new works inspired by festival authors' books. The lineup includes William Crighton, Chain Daisy, Melody Pool, Chelsea Reed, Dave Wells, and Ziggy Ramo.
"We are a proud sponsor of the Newcastle Writers Festival," said City of Newcastle's Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones.
"Newcastle has nurtured, supported and inspired generations of creative minds so I'm sure this year's range of free and ticketed events will be as popular as ever."
Attendees will find the festival hub at the University of Newcastle's Nuspace city campus, complete with food vans, live music, information tables, and a MacLean Booksellers' pop-up bookstore.
The complete program is available at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au, and tickets are now on sale. An audio version of the program can be accessed at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/accessibility
