I wish my hair did that! Image from the Mildura Writers' Festival homepage
In a classic pairing of good food and good words, the Mildura Writers' Festival began in a local restaurant. Now much larger, the town still comes together over good wine to celebrate literary talent. In 2014 the Festival will run from the 17th to the 20th of July.
Write Around the Murray
Each year the Write Around the Murray festival focuses on a theme. Although this year's theme is yet to be confirmed, the dates are locked in, so block out Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th September in your calendar.
The Words in Winter Festival - Daylesford
Nothing will make your forget your cold toes faster than immersing yourself in a great book. The 2014 Words in Winter festival takes place in the vibrant township of Daylesford, famous for its liberal arts scene and decadent day spas, as well as surrounding townships. The festival not only focuses on literature, but also celebrates poetry, music, storytelling and theatre. Dates TBC.
The ever-artistic Daylesford literary scene. Image from the Words In Winter homepage.
The biennial Lighthouse Literary Fest is back in 2014, set to take over the Airey's Inlet Hotel over the ANZAC Day weekend. If you're yet to visit Airey's this is the perfect opportunity to explore the lazy beachside township. A full program of events will be available from their website on the 1st of February.
Bayside Literary Festival
This year the bayside Literary Festival changes form - instead of concentrating all of their events over a few days, they have spread the program out and renamed it the Bayside Literary Series 'Words by the Bay.' While your wordy weekend away may not be as jam-packed, this change ensures as many people as possible can access the variety of events planned. The new Series format will be launched on Friday 14th of February. Throughout the following months you can enjoy guest speakers such as Father Bob Maguire and John Safran, and extraordinarily diverse workshops from understanding Ulysses to How to Make a Coffee Table Photo Book. Most events start from only $5 per person.
Bendigo Writers Festival
2014 information is yet to be released, though if the success of last year's program is anything to go by, this event will not be one to miss out on.
Clunes Booktown Festival
Each year the usually sleepy town of Clunes is completely overrun by bibliophiles in one of the most exciting literary events of the year. In 2014 the Booktown Festival will be held on May 3rd-4th, so I recommend you get your accommodation locked in early as this event is sure to attract a huge crowd.
Froth and Bubble Literary Festival - Torquay
Limited information is currently available for the 2014 Froth and Bubble Literary Festival, so keep your eyes peeled as announcements are sure to be imminent.
In this life of froth and bubble
Two things stand like stone
Kindness in another's trouble
Courage in one's own"
- Adam Lindsay Gordon
