Highlights of Melbourne Writers Festival

Local Community

Melbourne’s biggest celebration of books, ideas and the written word is getting ready to kick off on August 26! The Melbourne Writers Festival is an annual, two-week program that brings together writers and thinkers from around the world, inspiring the public through talks, exhibitions, forums and much more. C&G have assembled our pick of this program to help you plan your festival, and demonstrate the diverse line-up of events – of which more than a quarter are free! The festival really is a testament to the exciting cultural focus that Melbourne is known and loved for.

Roald Dahl Day

Taking place at Federation Square on September 4, children of all ages can look forward to a live reading of Fantastic Mr Fox, exhibitions, facepainting, BFG drawing lessons, trivia and more! Celebrating what would have been the beloved children’s author’s 100th birthday, the event is going to be fun for the whole family. More here.

Richard Flanagan: Does Writing Matter?

September 1st, Athenaeum Theatre

Prolific and award-winning author of The Sound of One Hand Clapping (and its film script), Richard Flanagan will be presenting an investigation into the human nature, the ‘psyche of Australia’ and why the written word is so essential. It’s a headliner! Learn more about the event here.

Walk: Dragons of Melbourne

Here’s a fun family activity for your Saturday morning! Carole Wilkinson will be taking participants on a guided tour of the CBD to discover the hidden ‘dragons’ of Melbourne. Leaving at 10am from Federation Square, you’ll learn all about the ‘stone guardians and silken mascots’ of Melbourne (and their mythological meaning) before wrapping up at the Chinese Museum. More here.

Film: The Nightingale and the Rose

Based on the short story by Oscar Wilde, this free exhibition will showcase the work of Archibald Prize Winner Del Kathryn Barton and filmmaker Brenden Fletcher. Their collaborative short film is hailed as being ‘hauntingly beautiful’ and will be screening at ACMI on August 27. More here.

Arnold Zable: From Distant Wars to Our Shores

Growing up in a migrant family in Melbourne’s north makes Arnold Zable’s story a highly relatable one, and his work is equally relevant. Zable’s new book, The Fighter, is about an ex-boxer living in the shadows of his mother’s WWII grief. While the themes are deeply saddening, Zable’s storytelling finesse and role as a human rights advocate will makes exploration of how war can affect Australian lives nothing short of essential. Book here.

Stay in the loop regarding the Melbourne Writers Festival by following them on Facebook here, or get live updates via Twitter, @melbwritersfest. View the full festival program here