BENDIGO Writers Festival volunteers remained upbeat last weekend after being forced to present a stripped-down version of its planned program. Over half of the festival’s participants boycotted the event after being issued a controversial last-minute code of conduct stipulation. Many local writers, however, showed their support by turning up nevertheless.
Photos: ADAM CARSWELL
Foot and vehicle traffic was practically nonexistent in the View Street Festival precinct late on Sunday afternoon, just hours after the truncated event’s close.
Dianne Dempsey, the author of Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield (Louey Yeung Man) Jack, discussed Stories of Chinese Ancestry with fellow Bendigo scribe Lauren Mitchell.
First-time novelist Russell Holdaway made his Festival debut at the Local Stories Lounge. Photo: SUPPLIED
Doing it for the kids: Award-winning children’s literature writer Katrina Nannestad delivered an energetic presentation for her fans and their parents at the Engine Room.
The Blurbs had the Mall rocking with a bunch of original book-based songs.
Alla Wolf-Tasker (Lake House Restaurant, Daylesford) and Benjamin Cooper (Chin Chin executive chef) joined publisher and host Julie Gibbs to discuss how Australians’ culinary tastes and preferences have changed over time.
Broadcaster Sally Warhaft and expert commentator Satyajit Das offered new perspectives on Australia’s place in the new world order.
The Books We Love Exhibition featured works from local youngsters aged under 12, inspired by their favourite books.
The Bendigo Foodshare Pop-Up Book Fair remained busy across the weekend.
