Readers embrace new literary festival

THE Surf Coast’s newest festival has made a strong first impression, with hundreds of book lovers attending the inaugural Surf Coast Writers’ Festival in Torquay.

Held at RACV Torquay Resort on Saturday, the festival featured more than 20 sessions with some of Australia’s best-known authors, spanning crime fiction, memoir, poetry and contemporary literature.

Festival co-founder Mia de Rauch said the response from readers, writers and authors had exceeded expectations.

 

“The feedback throughout the day was incredible,” she said.

“People told us they felt inspired, welcomed and energised. Many said they had already started planning to come back next year before the day had even finished.”

The event attracted visitors from Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria, with readers filling sessions, meeting authors and joining book signings throughout the day.

 

“We started this festival with a simple goal: to create a place where stories bring people together,” de Rauch said.

“Saturday proved there is a real appetite for that here on the Surf Coast.

“There was a genuine sense that something special was happening. Watching readers meet their favourite authors, seeing aspiring writers ask questions they’ve been waiting years to ask, and witnessing new friendships form over a shared love of books was incredibly rewarding.”

 

Organisers are now planning to bring the festival back in 2027.