In its second iteration, the 2024 festival will present more than sixty major and emerging authors and noted thinkers, including: novelists Michael Robotham, Madeline Gray, John Morrissey and Sally Hepworth; musician and writer Nardi Simpson; journalist and author Chris Masters; novelist and poet Julie Janson; and Lenore Taylor, editor of The Guardian. David Marr will deliver the festival opening address.
Author Ceridwen Dovey says:
“The Berry Writers Festival is everything writers or readers could want. It’s embedded in a close-knit community who are passionate about books and ideas, and being part of the festival is a joy and an honour. It’s an experience that is nourishing and stimulating for authors as well as audiences.”
The inaugural festival was held in 2022 and judged by both the writers and the audience to be a resounding success. Some fifty authors and other speakers participated in twenty-one sessions over two days; with six workshops and nearly 3000 tickets sold.
The 2024 festival program will be bigger and even more diverse with additional sessions running across four historic venues. A special Schools Day on Thursday, 24 October will see noted children’s authors Nathan Luff and Maryam Master bringing their stories to local primary schools, including to children from Kangaroo Valley Public School. In collaboration with the South Coast Writers Centre, the festival will host “New Voices of the South Coast: A Showcase for Debut Writers” on Sunday, 27 October, for new and emerging local literary talent. Also, following recent NAIDOC celebrations, the festival is delighted that the following fine writers, visual artists and musicians will be part of the festival: Daniel Browning; Judith Crispin; Nicole Smede; Kirli Saunders; Kim Scott; Damien Coulthard; and John Morrissey.
President of the 2024 Festival, James Robinson, says:
“Berry Writers Festival is for writers, readers and people who believe in the power of storytelling, sharing ideas and healthy debate. We have been greatly helped by a community of enthusiastic volunteers and many wonderful supporters, which has enabled the festival to become a highlight on the Shoalhaven’s expanding calendar of exciting events.”
The full festival program will be announced on 15 August, with tickets going on sale later in the month. You can sign up for early access to tickets at: https://berrywritersfestival.com.au/contact-berry-writers-festival/sign-up-for-news/
Nuala Higgins
Secretary
