31 May 2016
10 literary festivals coming up in June that you don’t want to miss
A literary festival on every single day of the month? You’re welcome. No matter where you are in the country, there is a festival for everyone!
June 3-6: Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival, Margaret River, WA
The largest literary event in regional WA, the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival boasts a fantastic array of guest speakers, with close to 50 poets, authors, playwrights, journalists, comedians, illustrators, magazine editors, explorers, screen writers and radio hosts taking part. The festival theme is HOME and will run over three days.
June 4-8: Voices on the Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Calling all students from Year 4 – 12…this youth literature festival is for you! Presented by Immanuel Lutheran College and the University of the Sunshine Coast, the festival is made up of two student days which includes over 130 talks and workshops. Plus there are a number of additional events for adults, emerging writers and readers!
June 8-9: CommsDirect, Melbourne, VIC
CommsDirect is Australia’s leading festival of communications and storytelling. The Walkley Foundation is at the heart of the Australian media, and through CommsDirect we link professional storytellers from media, not-for-profit and industry to discuss and share their best and most innovative work.
June 9-13: Henry Lawson Festival, Grenfell, NSW
In honour and recognition of Henry Lawson, one of Australia’s most loved poets and writer of short stories, the annual Henry Lawson Festival is one of the longest running arts events in NSW. Expect an engaging array of art and photography exhibitions, events including short story and verse competitions and entertainment. Themed ‘THE ROARING DAYS; A Trip Through the Decades’ and jam-packed full of fun, the festival is not one to miss
June 10-13: Continuum 12, Melbourne, VIC
An annual event that runs on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, Continuum is a speculative fiction and pop culture convention featuring discussion panels, with a wide selection of writers and artists. The theme ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ is set to explore the many aspects of fandom and the festival is a must-see for all fiction and pop culture fans.
June 10-13: Woodend Winter Arts Festival, Woodend, VIC
Held in Victoria’s iconic Macedon Ranges, the festival includes a program of more than 40 events this year, ranging from music, to literary and visual arts events. Don’t hesitate to make the trip to the scenic location and immerse yourself in all things creative.
June 11-13: Bellingen Writers Festival, Bellingen, NSW
Celebrating literary culture, with a program filled with workshops, panel discussions, spoken word performances, school programs and special evening events, the festival boasts a diverse weekend of events. This year’s theme is ‘Page, Stage and Screen’ which is aimed at showcasing the talent of Australian writers. Don’t miss special guests David Williamson, Australia’s most popular playwright and Sydney Morning Herald columnist and author, Richard Glover
June 14-24: Emerging Writers Festival, Melbourne, VIC
Over 70 events over 11 days, the Emerging Writers Festival is brimming with writing workshops and masterclasses, as well as events with special guest speakers designed to de
velop your written skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to liaise with emerging writers!
June 18-19: Williamstown Literary Festival, Williamstown, VIC
With events including panels, interviews, author talks, workshops, readings and storytelling, the Williamstown Literary Festival is the largest in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
June 25: NSW Writers Centre Kids and YA Festival, Sydney, NSW
Gain industry insight and share your work at this year’s Kids and YA Festival. With panels, workshops and a chance to pitch an unpublished manuscript, the program features over 40 speakers across 13 events.