Big addition to writers festival

THE Bendigo Writers Festival will this year contain a new element in the form of a pop-up Big Top venue in the Dudley House garden.

It will give local emerging artists a chance to showcase their work as part of the festival, which will run from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 August.

Expressions of interest closed last week after local authors, storytellers, poets and songwriters were asked to submit proposals for a presentation.

Those selected to make a presentation will be notified by the end of this month.

They will deliver a 20-minute reading, dramatic presentation, music, discussion or other text-based performance at the ‘Big Top’, which will be in the heart of the festival precinct.

All Big Top events will be free for festival visitors.

Established in 2012, the festival is aimed at celebrating and promoting the art of writing and storytelling by bringing together writers, readers and creative thinkers from diverse backgrounds and genres.

It features panel discussions, keynote speakers, workshops, performances and book launches while providing a platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their work, exchange ideas and engage with audiences.

The festival had traditionally been held in August, but after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and taking place online, the event moved to May from 2021 to 2023. It is moving back to its original winter timeslot this year.

A highlight will be Children’s Book Week Creative Kids sessions on the Saturday and Sunday, in which some of Australia’s best writers and illustrators for children will offer story times, read-alongs, puzzles, writing, drawing, and craft activities.

Sessions will cater for children aged 3 to 13 years.

The festival is centred in and around View Street in the Capital building, Dudley House, The Engine Room, Bendigo Art Gallery and the Trades Hall, among others.

The final festival program will be released next week on Wednesday 29 May. News and updates are available at bendigowritersfestival.com.au.