The Perth Writers Festival brings together writers and readers for four days of sharing.
Next month, dozens of writers – and hundreds of keen local readers and thinkers – will spend the weekend roaming the University of Western Australia for the Perth Writers Festival.
If you love words and ideas, finding yourself among the like-minded and even being challenged a little, the Perth Writers Festival is the place to be over the next long weekend.
Festival program manager, Danielle Benda, says there’s so much to do for booklovers of all ages during the annual four-day festival.
“The written word is performing the role of engaging people with ideas,” says Danielle. “It’s about questioning your ideas, thinking about why you think what you think and engaging the community in a broad sense about what it means to be human and live in this society.
“I also think sometimes that people get the idea that a festival like this is very stuffy, heady and about people with grey hair and glasses. Sure, there is a bit of that, but it’s so much more because the notion of words and ideas attracts people from all walks of life who are ostensibly dealing with many of the same questions and ideas.”
The festival is a collection of paid and free events in a variety of modes from talks, workshops and readings to the hugely popular Family Day. From politics to the politics of the heart, local, national and international authors across a wide variety of genres will be speaking, reading and discussing their work. They include Armistead Maupin, Andrew O’Hagan, Philip Adams, Tariq Ali, Robert Drewe, Sandy Fussell, Joanne Harris and Jeff Lindsay.
Sunday’s always-busy Family Day is aimed at kids from one to 13. They’ll be able to have fun at readings and workshops, play games, have a book signed or ask a burning question about favourites.
Dubbed a bacchanalian feast for the body and the mind, Saturday night’s Feast of Words is an adults-only night under the stars. Three hundred people will dine on three courses while specially-chosen authors deliver delicious, witty and moving readings.
If you can’t wait to get a jump on the festival, the website contains suggested reading lists on all sorts of topics from art and holiday reads to book club must-haves plus a selection for children and young people.
“There really is something for everybody,” says Danielle. “We hope to open people’s minds to the wonder of words through this group of fascinating writers. There are also many free events each day and we encourage people to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds.”
Part of the Perth International Arts Festival, the Perth Writers Festival is on from March 4–7. Session details at www.perthfestival.com.au
Ara Jansen will be chairing three panels during the festival – Fantasy Affairs, All In A Day’s Work and Setting It Up.
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