Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival weathers election weekend to entertain crowds with top talent
Organisers say this year's Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival was a hit with appreciative crowds despite the minor interruption of a Federal election.
The 17th annual iteration of the popular festival took over the Margaret River Heart and other venues across a packed weekend of talks, writers' workshops, and standout events.
Artistic and festival director Sian Baker said this year's theme 'The Universe is Made of Stories' was a reminder stories were more than just entertainment, but help people make sense of the world.
'This year's festival was a powerful reminder that stories are what anchor us — through uncertainty, they connect and uplift,' she said.
'It was incredible to see our local, regional, and literary communities — along with festival visitors from across Australia and overseas — come together in such strong numbers, despite elections, triathlons, and wild weather.
'The region was alive with big ideas, heartfelt conversations, and the unmistakable magic of people sharing stories together.'
This year's festival saw strong attendance across 57 events including six sold-out sessions in Margaret River, a fully booked dinner and breakfast in Busselton, and appearances by a stellar line-up of local and international literary talent.
Among the too-many-to-mention stars were bestselling author Marian Keyes, 2024 Booker Prize winner Samantha Harvey and rock star philosopher AC Grayling.
As well as eight of the 25-strong writers workshop program selling out, the Busselton Book Festival returned with numerous events catering to the north of the Capes.
It included sold-out highlights such as a dinner with Booker Prize shortlisted author Charlotte Wood, breakfast with crime writer Chris Hammer, and an in-conversation session with international bestselling author Marian Keyes.
Book launches and celebrations of Australian literary cultural icons including Markus Zusak celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Book Thief were also hosted.
Funding from the State Government this year also supported a strong program of free events and workshops for children and younger readers during the festival fortnight.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk saluted the organisers who had taken the festival from 'humble beginnings' in 2009.
'The Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival has grown substantially and now attracts local, national and international emerging and established writers and storytellers,' the MP said.
'Showcasing storytelling in all its forms, this festival is designed to foster a love of literature and the arts for all ages throughout the community, inspiring new ideas and conversations.
'By supporting these sorts of initiatives, the Cook Government is helping to ensure our communities benefit from the social and cultural experiences these events provide, and the economic outcomes they also provide for the region.'
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