The Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival (MRRWF) kicks off this weekend from May 3 to May 5, and boasts a huge range of 'wild, weird and wonderful' stories in line with this year's theme.
The festival is the biggest regional literary event in Western Australia and this year features headline appearances from renowned authors, journalists, artists and television presenters.
Festival Creative Director Tanya Perdue highlighted some of the feature events happening at the Voyager Estate festival hub, and a number of free events for the whole family.
"The Writers' Room at Voyager Estate has some fabulous local writers with some amazing stories to tell," Ms Perdue said.
"Dunsborough-based artist and author Ian Mutch will take the stage on Friday to talk about his book More and More and More, while Stolen Generation mother and Wadandi Elder Sandra Hill and her daughter Tracie Pushman will speak about their journey home to family, culture and community.
"On Saturday, festival-goers will have the chance to see William McInnes and Dave Warner talk on cultural cringe in Aussie 2.0, a panel of editors and contributors talk on Woman of a Certain Age, and more.
"On Sunday, Dr Gregory Peel Smith will take the stage with local writer and photographer Tom de Souza in Back from off-track," she said.
"These are just some of the many events happening in the Writers' Room."
Ms Perdue said affordable entry fees to the Writers' Room gave everyone in the community a chance to experience the festival.
"With tickets just $10 it makes the festival really accessible to those who might not have attended before. Plus, pensioners can access all Friday sessions in the Writers' Room for free," she said.
Ms Perdue also pegged the festival finale - a grand dinner at Cape Lodge - as a not be missed event.
Artist and author Ian Mutch will take the stage to talk about his book More and More and More, while Stolen Generation mother and Wadandi Elder Sandra Hill and her daughter Tracie Pushman will speak about their journey home to family, culture and community.
- Tanya Perdue
"Memories, Media and Chateaubriand is being held at 6.30pm on Sunday and will see acclaimed Australian journalist and broadcaster, Geraldine Doogue, in conversation with former journalist and local personality Ian Parmenter.
"The lively evening of conversation, music, and nosh-stalgia will feature a grand dinner showcasing dishes from the 1970s and 80s, paired with top wines.
"Plus, with live music and an exhibition of works by legendary cartoonist Paul Rigby, the event is the perfect chance to continue the celebrations once the main program concludes."
Over the weekend, the festival hub at Voyager Estate will come alive with a range of free activities and events.
Free lunch time sessions will be held at 1pm each day, while book signings, a sculpture walk exhibition called Curious Creations, as well as a children's storytelling tent, roving fairy, free music and entertainment between 11am and 2pm, food vans and more will keep attendees of all ages entertained over the weekend.
Feature events and workshops will also take place at other locations around the region including at local libraries, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Essential Info
The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is being held from 03-05 May in the grounds of Voyager Estate and is for anyone who loves reading, writing, cultural events, current affairs and the Margaret River Region.
To find out more about the 2019 Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.mrrwfestival.com, call 08 9758 7316, or visit the Arts Margaret River Box Office, Margaret River Community Centre, Tunbridge Street, Margaret River. Tickets for events at Voyager Estate will be available at the door for events not sold out prior.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
