THE third annual Dunkeld Writers Festival program was launched to a bumper crowd of book-loving enthusiasts last week.

Exciting plans for the upcoming festival, which will bring some of Australia’s best- known literary personalities to the Southern Grampians, from August 23 - 25 were announced. 

The Festival will see a range of nine themed sessions, with over 20 writers entertaining, conversing with, inspiring and engaging visitors in Dunkeld.

This year, the program will include a school’s program aligned with Children’s Book Week where Lee Hobbs of ‘Old Tom’ fame will be visiting the students at Dunkeld Consolidated School.

Highlights planned for the 2024 festival include: a fun, Dunkeld version, encore of ABC’s Friday Night Book Club with Marieke Hardy and Jason Steger, the James Dawson Oration with Professor Barry Judd in conversation with Professor Richard Broome, a sport-themed session with Warwick Hadfield and John Harms and much more.

Other sessions will focus on themes such as crime writing, recipe books, biography and memoir.

“After a successful two years, with the support of an enthusiastic committee and some generous sponsors and community volunteers, we’re bringing the Festival back for 2024,” Dunkeld Writers Festival Committee chair, Mary-Ann Brown said.

“We hope to see many visitors to Dunkeld at this traditionally quiet time of year, to not only enjoy the festival, but explore the attractions of the area, from the mountain walks to galleries to the great food and wine.”

More information and the full program is available at dunkeldwritersfestival.com.au