Held from March 25–27, the 31st annual Somerset Storyfest will see over 40 of the country’s most celebrated authors, illustrators and artists converge on the Gold Coast to inspire the next generation of writers and avid readers.
In between daily sessions with authors and book signings at the Book Shop, visitors to the three-day festival can also revel in a series of special public events. You’ll want to bring your whole book club to these top picks.
Rub shoulders with the stars at the Prologue Party on Monday March 25 where lovers of all things literary will gather for a meet and greet. Everyone’s favourite (former) Wiggle, Emma Memma, will open the festival with a special performance, and photo opportunities with Emma throughout the afternoon will be available to all those who book.
The annual Literary Lunch is a local’s favourite and this year you’ll find nothing is off the table with its special guest. As a journalist and former deputy arts editor of The Moscow Times, Marina Kamenev is not afraid to have the difficult discussions. She will also talk about her new book, Kin, which explores the changing shape of family in the 21st century. This long lunch is sure to be a hard-hitting one on Tuesday March 26 at 12:30 pm.
Sit down and listen to an open mic night like no other. The Gran Slam Live on Tuesday March 26 will bring teenagers and seniors together for a poetry slam of the century. With world-renowned performance poet Joel McKerrow and beatboxer Tom Thum hosting the event, there will be freshly penned poems and plenty of mic drops from both young and young-at-heart as they battle it out for cash and a publishing prize.
Award-winning novelist Hannah Kent will host The Craig Bassingthwaighte Long Table Dinner on Wednesday March 27, where there are sure to be in-depth conversations about her international bestselling books Burial Rites and The Good People, as well as her original feature film, Run Rabbit Run. Diners will get a rare glimpse into her craft and career.
Budding writers are bound to be inspired by an evening of workshopping and chatting with some of Australia’s best-selling authors at the Young Writers’ Dinner on Tuesday March 26. Suitable for young writers 10 and above, they will gain insight into the writing process from authors Gabriel Bergmoser, Jacq Ellem, James Foley, Jack Heath, Richard Kinnon, Will Kostakis, James Layton, Kate Isobel Scott and Dani Vee as they share their experiences growing up and give hot tips on how to write a bestseller.
Tickets are now on sale. For more information about the festival program and event details please visit storyfest.com.au.
