Think, explore, be challenged at first Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival
The Hills will be alive with the sound of thrilling stories, everyday drama, historic tales, memoirs, and yarns for young adults and children at the inaugural Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival this October.
The Festival program was officially launched in Belgrave by local author Lia Hills on September 11, and tickets go on sale at 8am on Friday, September 12.
Thirty authors from across the Ranges and further afield will take part in more than a dozen panel discussions and workshops at the Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave Hub and Belgrave Library on October 17 and 18, around the theme A Sense of Place.
The event will be kicked off on October 17 by Hannah Kent, author of the multi-award-winning international bestseller Burial Rites. She will also be discussing her new book, a memoir called Always Home, Always Homesick, during a panel event on October 18.
Other authors include Carly Findlay, Christian White, Shelley Burr, Amy Doak, Alli Parker, Emmy Webbers and Kimberley Allsopp. A full list of authors can be found at the Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival website.
There will also be free events including readings for children at the Belgrave Library, writing sprints and a book swap through the Main Street of Belgrave.
Lia Hills said the Festival was a wonderful opportunity for people to come together to think, explore, be challenged, laugh and share ideas.
“In a time of polarisation, it’s vital people come together to discuss ideas, especially in an environment where the community is committed to the deeper engagement required when reading or writing a book,” Lia said.
“The Hills has a thriving cultural life, but the lack of a literary festival on the calendar, especially given the number of writers and book clubs in the area, always felt like a missed opportunity.
“Not only will the Festival become an important event for locals with a deep love for books, it will bring so many others to the region. What better way to celebrate all things literary than amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Dandenong Ranges.”
Lia will also be participating in a panel discussion called ‘Sense of place: how landscape shapes our stories’ with authors Kerryn Mayne, Mark Mupotsa-Russell and moderated by Kate Mildenhall.
“As a writer who’s been involved in local writers’ groups and events over the years, which have nurtured my own career, I feel it’s important to give back to the writing and reading community whenever I can, and help showcase the vibrant literary culture of the Hills. I’m really looking forward to being part of a festival in this place that I love,” she said.
Festival Chair Marian Matta said the Festival’s theme of A Sense of Place had unlimited possibilities – place as home, place as state of mind, place as inspiration or threat or query.
“With its mysteries and wonders, our local environment has always inspired artists of all kinds and we hope this Festival adds to our diverse cultural richness,” she said.
The Festival is supported with a grant by the Yarra Ranges Council, sponsorship from Bendigo Community Bank Upwey & District, and other local businesses.