The 2019 Bendigo Writers Festival new program has been launched featuring an impressive line-up of international and Australian writers and speakers for the three day festival, which runs from August 9 to 11.
Festival director Rosemary Sorensen said over 100 events and 150 speakers were taking part in the winter festival, now in its eighth year.
“The theme for this year’s festival is All That Glitters and we’re delighted to be welcoming such big stars such as John Marsden, Clementine Ford and philosopher AC Grayling,” Ms Sorensen said.
“So many brilliant books have been published in the past year, including an extraordinary number of ‘growing up’ books which we’ll be featuring at the festival.”
Highlights include Festival Friday Night at the Ulumbarra Theatre – World of Food, with SBS Food Safari presenter, Maeve O’Meara who will be talking about the places, people and the dishes that have delighted her in a quest for unique and exotic culinary experiences.
On Saturday night, world-renowned astrobiologist Paul Davies tackles the biggest question of them all: What Is Life?
And for a dazzling finale, hosted by Mayor Margaret O’Rourke, the internationally acclaimed surgeon Munjed Al Muderis will present the Closing Address on Sunday at 4.30pm, talking about how hope and courage can change lives.
Other highlights of the 2019 Bendigo Writers Festival include:
The Cold Summer – Former Mafia prosecutor and crime novel author Gianrico Carofiglio
Making Evil – British psychologist and author Julia Shaw
Pachinko – Korean American best-selling novelist Min Jin Lee
“Gastronomy is big on this year’s program. We are keen supporters of the City of Greater Bendigo’s bid to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so we have food writer Jill Dupleix, sustainable farmer Charles Massy and food-and-mood expert Felice Jacka on the program.”
Manager Capital Venues and Events David Lloyd said that the Bendigo Bowls Club
on Barnard Street has been added as one of the five main venues hosting events within the festival precinct this year.
“With the addition of Bendigo Bowls Club, we have a perfect-sized venue with a festival club bar for Saturday and Sunday evening events. We are responding to the popularity of the festival and audience demand by increasing seating without losing the intimate atmosphere of the festival precinct,” Mr Lloyd said.
Bendigo Writers Festival is presented by the City of Greater Bendigo in partnership with La Trobe University and supported by Bendigo Tourism.
