A Celebration of Storytelling

The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival kicks off from 12 to 14 May, showcasing incredible storytellers, creative thinkers and artists from our own backyard, as well as special guests from interstate and abroad.

Here’s the story so far.

This year, the program is the perfect mashup of emerging and established authors, who will share their fascinating stories, writing tips and creative processes with book lovers from all over Western Australia, and beyond.

There’ll be plenty of hands-on workshops with authors, as well as art installations, networking events and free activities for the kids. Not to mention some exciting surprises that level up the festival experience in the best possible way.

These special events will happen all over the Margaret River Region, with Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia as the festival hub.

The Festival heads to Busselton again this year, with a satellite event starring free and low-cost creative activities for kids and grownups. Busselton Special Edition will take place at Shelter Brewing Co and in partnership with local libraries.

This special satellite event will feature a number of author ‘in conversation’ events, as well as writers networking opportunities and workshops that will be run in the Busselton and Dunsborough libraries.

There’ll also be an afternoon of free family fun with events for kids that celebrate the magic of storytelling, as well as a bunch of activities custom made for max fun. Head to the Festival Facebook page for updates on Busselton Special Edition.

The Storytelling Snug is a free activity that runs over the festival weekend located in the Soundshell, outside Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia. Kids of all ages are welcome to come along and soak up stories from magnificent children’s authors.

This family friendly event is a celebration of storytelling for young people, with fun and interactive sessions designed to inspire creativity and help kids embrace a love for reading, writing and storytelling that lasts a lifetime.

Storytellers include author and game narrative designer, Ester Krogdahl, who loves sharing her unique and interesting path through the world of games narrative design into children’s picture book publishing.

Steve Heron, whose picture book Ling Li’s Lantern recently won the 2021 Northern Lights Books Awards, will also join the Storytelling Snug, as well as Wadjak Balardong Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji man Jayden Boundry, Wandandi Noongar and Ait Koedal artist / designer Tyrown Waigana, and award-winning Julia Lawrinson.

To be a part of the Storytelling Snug, simply sign up on the day.

The exciting and jampacked 2023 program is officially launched, so pencil in your favourite events and grab your tickets early!

For all the latest on the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival, including author and special event announcements, follow the Festival page on Facebook, or check out the event page here.