The 2024 Bendigo Writers Festival is shaping up to be a huge success, with ticket sales already surpassing expectations.
Taking place from Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18, this year's festival boasts a packed program featuring literary giants such as Alexis Wright, Kate Grenville, Thomas Mayo, Kerry O'Brien, Bruce Pascoe, and Kate Forsyth and gastronomic delights, among many others.
There are over 50 ticketed sessions plus free events at the Bendigo Writers Festival Big Top in the Dudley House gardens, where local aspiring writers, artists, and performers will be taking part.
The festival's official opening gala event on Friday night features an Up Close and Possibly Way Too 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 historian and Festival Co-Curator, Professor Clare Wright. The night will also feature poetry readings from Sara M Saleh and Jazz Money.
Manager Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos said the venue had to be changed due to the high demand for tickets to the opening gala.
"We've seen very strong advance sales and enquiries for the gala event featuring Annabel Crabb, prompting us to move the event from The Capital to the larger Ulumbarra Theatre," Ms. Amos said.
"The move to the Ulumbarra means more people can enjoy this special opening night, a great start to what promises to be an exciting festival. Be quick to book so you don't miss out on seeing Annabel Crabb.
"All those who have already purchased tickets for the gala event will have been notified about the venue change and updated tickets emailed.
"The gastronomy events have proven particularly popular, with Caroline Parker's Edible Weed Walk of Rosalind Park, A Seat At Kon And Sia's Table lunch event, and An Evening With Julie Goodwin dinner already sold out. Fans of Julie Goodwin and Kon Karapanagiotidis need not worry, as there are still opportunities to catch them in other sessions throughout the festival for just $15 per session."
The festival will also present a series of panel discussions and events highlighting First Nations care for Country, farming, and community support. Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter is among the guest speakers for these inspiring and thought-provoking discussions.
Other highlights include historian, author, and specialist in war, politics, and diplomacy Paul Ham, who 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.
The hugely popular Creative Kids returns at the Bendigo Bank Theatre at The Capital on Saturday, August 17, where young readers can enjoy a range of sessions with children's authors and illustrators.
Regional events leading up to the main festival include A Day At A Time in Rhyme performances in Boort, Elmore, and Heathcote. The show stars Jane Clifton, 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.
Dumawul will also 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. Festival media partner ABC Central Victoria will be broadcasting during the festival.
"I encourage people to hop onto the festival program website so you can plan a weekend of inspiring conversations and a feast of words," Ms. Amos said.
