The Words on the Waves Writers Festival has been deemed a huge success by authors, event organisers and participants.
Over 50 authors from all over the country took part in the festival, which ran from May 31-June 5.
Attendees were treated to author talks and panels, evening conversation events, a cinema screening, a poetry reading, a literary cruise on Brisbane Water, a family fun day, a schools program and book signings.
The festival also featured a number of Central Coast locals as participants including Anna Downes, Rob Carlton, Alice Workman, Emily Taylor and Duncan Fellows, plus the Book Launch program featuring local emerging authors, which is still ongoing.
For the first time, the Family Fun Day was a free event.
Held on Sunday, June 4, at Everglades in Woy Woy, this was a very well-attended day with book launches, storytelling, buskers, author talks and more.
Award winning journalist and author Tracey Spicer was thrilled with the turn out on the opening night.
“The audience was warm and nurturing, posing thought-provoking questions,” she said.
“As always, it was a delight to meet readers afterwards.”
Popular author and podcast host Ashley Kalagian Blunt said the festival had a wonderful vibe.
“I spoke to so many enthusiastic readers,” Blunt said.
Award winning crime fiction writer Dinuka McKenzie said the festival was extremely well organised.
“The program was just wonderful,” McKenzie said.
Listening to authors and meeting them in person is one of the great benefits of writers’ festivals for readers, authors and their publishers.
The Bookshop Umina was the official book supplier for the festival, with the proprietors more than happy with the big surge in book sales over the duration of the festival.
Angela Bennetts, Festival Director spoke to CCN.
“The resounding success of the 2023 program shows that the people of the Central Coast believe, as we do, that regional areas deserve arts and culture just as much as the major cities,” she said.
“We are so delighted with this year’s Words on the Waves Writers Festival, which was an absolutely buzzing week of stories, conversations and ideas, with some of Australia’s best writers and journalists.
“We look forward to doing it all again in 2024.”
David Abrahams
yes, I agree, a wonderful festival. An interesting mix of authors and issues discussed. Well done and many thanks to all the organisers
Please send to me information on the 2024 Festival. I plan to attend although I live in Moreton Bay area of Q’Land; this means planning including arrangements for accommodation, etc.
thank you.
Peter Buggy