Noosa Long Weekend Festival one for the books
13th Noosa Long Weekend Festival (18-27 July 2014)
June 18, 2014
Lovers of all things literature, poetry and prose are set to converge on Noosa next month to take part in a range of literary breakfasts and morning tea events with some of the biggest names in the business as part of the 13th annual Noosa Long Weekend Festival on 18-27 July.
Festival Director Ian Mackellar said he was thrilled to be welcoming such a high calibre line-up of authors and poets to this year’s festival — presented by Bendigo Bank — including renowned poet and Order of Australia recipient Dr Bruce Dawe.
“Having published 13 much-loved books, Bruce Dawe has been hailed as one of the most influential Australian poets of all time and has amassed an impressive collection of literary awards and medals for his contribution to poetry and the arts,” Mr Mackellar said.
“Bruce is widely recognised for the anti-war messages portrayed in many of his poetry works, as well as the various short stories he has penned.”
“He will join broadcast journalist Peter Thompson ‘in conversation’ at a morning tea on Saturday, 19 July at RACV Noosa Resort, where he will read some excerpts from his favourite poems.”
Mr Mackellar said yet another highlight of the 2014 festival was set to be a literary morning tea with author of bestselling memoir Dreamtime Alice, Mandy Sayer.
“Mandy has recently launched her third memoir entitled The Poet’s Wife, which tells the tale of the 10 years spent with former husband and Pulitzer Prize winner Yusef Komunyakaa.”
“Having grown up in vastly different countries and cultures, the pair had both overcome poverty and domestic violence and was further united by a shared love of literature and jazz.”
Mr Mackaellar said this was just one event at the festival that would explore a memoir in great depth, with award winning author Anna Goldsworthy’s memoir Piano Lessons also in the spotlight.
“Piano Lessons has two separate events dedicated to it throughout Noosa Long Weekend,” Mr Mackellar said.
“The first is a recital dinner, where Anna will read excerpts from her book, which covers her journey from attending childhood piano lessons to obtaining international fame as a concert pianist.”
“Anna will conclude the evening with a recital of the music from her stage play adaptation of Piano Lessons. Held on Monday, 21 July at Berardos Restaurant, the event includes a three course dinner and glass of wine.”
“The second event will take place on Tuesday, 22 July at the Noosa Arts Theatre.”
Mr Mackellar said the festival would also welcome one of the most popular new talents on the Australian literary scene; with regional Queensland author Josephine Moon appearing at a literary breakfast on Friday, 25 July at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort.
“After a hotly contested bidding war between several publishers hoping to publish her debut novel, Josephine released The Tea Chest in 2013, which soon went on to become a bestseller.”
“Josephine will join journalist Phil Brown at the upcoming festival to discuss The Tea Chest and her literary journey.”
Mr Mackellar said the literature component of the festival always proved very popular, with tickets to all shows selling quickly.
“Noosa Long Weekend has developed a strong reputation for delivering a first-rate program year after year and we’re pleased to say the 2014 event is no exception,” Mr Mackellar said.
To view the full program or purchase festival tickets please visit www.noosalongweekend.com.
// Ends.
Media enquiries:
Helen Perry, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0431 065 964
E: Helen@freshprm.com.au
High-resolution images are available.
Whilst all events listed as part of media communication are accurate at the time of release, The Noosa Long Weekend Festival program is subject to change without notice due to circumstances outside of the event organiser’s control.
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