The Brisbane Writers Festival have announced their 2019 program, featuring over 160 writers and taking place from 5-8 September at the State Library of Queensland.

In recognition of the UN Year of Indigenous Languages, this year’s festival will explore the ways the traditional custodians of Australia convey story. Among the First Nations writers appearing are Tony Birch, Melissa Lucashenko and Claire G Coleman, as well as performers Uncle Jack Charles and Danzal Baker aka Baker Boy.

Local guests include former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, John Marsden, Benjamin Law, Clementine Ford, Jane Caro, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Melina Marchetta, Kristina Olsson, Ashley Hay, Lucy Treloar and Steven Carroll. International guest authors include Jasper Fforde, Ann Weisgarber, Joanne Ramos, Karen Thompson Walker, Eve L Ewing and Gemma Hartley.

The BWF’s School’s program, ‘Word Play’, has also been announced. Running from 3-6 September, featured children’s authors include Will Kostakis, Jenna Guillaume, Oliver Phommavanh, Karen Foxlee and AJ Betts. The one-day Young Adult program, ‘Love YA’, will run at the Brisbane Square Libary on 7 September and will feature Benjamin Law, Alison Evans, Michael Earp, Claire G Coleman and Jax Jacki Brown.

You can check out the full program and book tickets right here!