The Berry Writers Festival is returning from 25-27 October 2024 and will feature a mix of literary legends and notable new authors.

The Berry Writers Festival is a bi-annual festival of writing and literature held amongst four historic venues in the beautiful town of Berry on the NSW South Coast. The festival will explore writing and ideas across fiction and non-fiction alongside innovative interactions between words and other art forms, including music and visual art.

Artistic Director of the festival, former publisher and literary agent Mary Cunnane says: ‘Words open the world and allow us to tell our stories and understand the lives of others. It is this spirit of openness, inclusivity, and exploration that will animate the 2024 Berry Writers Festival and deliver a weekend of memorable experiences.’

The 2024 Festival will present more than sixty major and emerging authors and noted thinkers, including: novelists Michael Robotham, Madeline Gray, John Morrissey and Sally Hepworth; musician and writer Nardi Simpson; journalist and author Chris Masters; novelist and poet Julie Janson; and Lenore Taylor, editor of The Guardian. David Marr, will deliver the festival opening address.

Author Ceridwen Dovey says: ‘The Berry Writers Festival is everything writers or readers could want. It’s embedded in a close- knit community who are passionate about books and ideas, and being part of the festival is a joy and an honour. It’s an experience that is nourishing and stimulating for authors as well as audiences.’

The 2024 festival program will be bigger and even more diverse than the inaugural event in 2022. A special Schools Day on Thursday, 24 October will see noted children’s authors Kirli Saunders, Nathan Luff and Maryam Master bringing their stories to local primary schools.

In collaboration with the South Coast Writers Centre, the festival will host New Voices of the South Coast: A Showcase for Debut Writers on Sunday, 27 October for new and emerging local literary talent.

President of the 2024 Festival, James Robinson, says: ‘Berry Writers Festival is for writers, readers and people who believe in the power of storytelling, sharing ideas and healthy debate. We have been greatly helped by a community of enthusiastic volunteers and many wonderful supporters, which has enabled the festival to become a highlight on the Shoalhaven’s expanding calendar of exciting events.’

The full festival program will be announced on 15 August, with tickets going on sale shortly afterwards.

For more information visit the Berry Writers Festival website