Bendigo Writers Festival is an end-of-winter treat in Central Victoria’s heartland, Bendigo, where the hospitality is warm and the atmosphere inspiring during this festival time.
Bendigo Writers Festival takes place in the City of Greater Bendigo on Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country. We acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and their living culture and the unique role they play in the life of this region.
Established in 2012, Bendigo Writers Festival aims to celebrate and promote the art of writing and storytelling by bringing together writers, readers, and creative thinkers from diverse backgrounds and genres.
The festival features a range of events including panel discussions, keynote speakers, workshops, sessions for young people, book launches and performances, which provide a platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and engage with audiences.
With a focus on promoting literacy and lifelong learning, the Bendigo Writers Festival has become a highly anticipated event for locals and visitors alike, drawing in renowned authors and thinkers from Australia and around the world.
In October 2019, Bendigo was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – the first in Australia. Therefore, gastronomy has been one of the important pillars of the festival; hosting and organising special events to reflect on how our culture and heritage is represented in the food we grow, eat and share.
Hosted in the grand old Capital building and other iconic venues in the View Street precinct like Dudley House, The Engine Room, Bendigo Art Gallery and the Trades Hall, among others, Bendigo is especially brilliant at this time.
The festival is managed by the Bendigo Venues and Events (BV&E) unit of the City of Greater Bendigo with a designated curatorial team.
“While change is inevitable, the festival remains committed to building on Rosemary’s impressive legacy and the rich history of thought-provoking discussions, engaging authors, and a vibrant atmosphere that has enthralled audiences for years.”
FESTIVAL history
Rosemary Sorensen, Founder and Festival Director until 2023
Founder and Festival Director until 2023, arts journalist Rosemary Sorensen, said, “I was a tree-changer, making my move to Bendigo some years ago. I remember standing on the steps of The Capital Theatre in View Street and thinking that it would be a perfect city for a Writers Festival. And when I said that to the local Council, they were very quick to take it up. It was very much a matter of right place, and right time, so it was clearly meant to happen.
When we started out, the intention was to provide a well-organised event for our Central Victorian region, using Bendigo’s brilliant art and heritage precinct. What we didn’t really anticipate was the burgeoning interest in cultural tourism, and how keen people are to travel to lovely destinations.”
Following the departure of Festival Director Rosemary Sorensen after 11 festivals in 2023, Manager Bendigo Venues & Events, Julie Amos, said, the event was embarking on a new chapter. “While change is inevitable, the festival remains committed to building on Rosemary's impressive legacy and the rich history of thought-provoking discussions, engaging authors, and a vibrant atmosphere that has enthralled audiences for years.”
“There is an opportunity for participation by school groups, programming for kids, celebration of Bendigo and the region’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status, a pop-up bookshop, and great sessions with a wide range of writers, and lovers of words.”
Take a stroll down memory lane and check Bendigo Writers Festival timeline
Tickets for 2024 edition are expected to go on sale next May.
