The program for the 2024 Bendigo Writers Festival has been launched – bringing together more than 90 writers and thinkers.
This year’s festival takes place from Friday 16 August to Sunday 18 August with a packed program featuring Julie Goodwin, Annabel Crabb, Kate Grenville, Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien,
The festival’s opening gala event on Friday night (16 August) offers an up close and personal interview with Annabel Crabb. The well-known journalist and TV presenter will be under the spotlight for a change with questions from La Trobe University Curator Clare Wright. The night will also feature poetry readings from Sara M Saleh and Jazz Money.
Historian, author and specialist in war, politics and diplomacy Paul Ham is travelling from his home in France to Bendigo to discuss his new book The Soul, an epic attempt to demonstrate that the beliefs of the soul and mind are the engines of human history.
A range of special word feasts are on the program, starting with ever-popular cook and author Julie Goodwin, who will be one of the guests of honour at the Festival. The author is involved in several events and sessions including An Evening with Julie Goodwin – a curated dinner served at Mackenzie Quarters on Friday night. Sessions on her latest memoir and food and mental health are also taking place on Saturday 17 August..
Founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Kon Karapanagiotidis, will host a special lunch with his mum Sia at the Old Church on the Hill, and take part in some much-needed conversations around mental health.
To celebrate Bendigo as Australia’s first UNESCO City and Region of Gastronomy, the festival will present a series of panel discussions and events showcasing First Nations care for Country, farming and how to support community members in need. Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter is among the guest speakers for the inspiring and thought-provoking discussions.
Regional events will be held in the lead up to the main festival with A Day At A Time in Rhyme performances in Boort, Elmore, then Heathcote. The show stars Jane Clifton, who is well known from the classic TV show Prisoner. After the three-day tour, the show comes to The Engine Room in Bendigo on Friday and Saturday nights during the festival.
There are more than 50 ticketed events, plus 15 free sessions at the Bendigo Writers Festival Big Top where local aspiring writers, artists and performers will be taking part. Dumawul will be holding a First Nations Art Market and local retailer Bookish will be back to run the festival shop with all the festival titles available.
Tickets go on sale from 10am on Thursday 13 June. You can explore the full program here.
