The month-long Yarra Valley Writers Festival has been reimagined in a digital format, catering for the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Playwright David Williamson, Stella Prize-winner Charlotte Wood and songstress/writer Claire Bowditch are just some of the big names who will be a part of this year’s festival.
The festival will feature weekly chats with well-known authors, book clubs, and an all-day event that will be live streamed on 9 May.
This live streamed event will feature back-to-back interviews and panel discussions on the author’s work, and a deep-dive into important social topics such as the environment, family and others.
Well-known local talent, such as Indigo Perry, Eliza Henry-Jones, Alice Bishop and Michael Veitch will also be part of the festivities, along with Karen Viggers who grew up in the Yarra Ranges.
Mayor of Yarra Ranges, Richard Higgins, said he was thrilled the festival was proceeding and looked forward to experiencing the new format.
“The creative industry is doing it tough at the moment, so we’re proud to be partnering with the Yarra Valley Writers Festival to help this year’s program go ahead,” Cr Higgins said.
“I know it’s taken a lot of work to get the festival online this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, however the online environment brings new opportunities for us to invite creativity into our homes and participate in a community event.
“This year’s program is full of big names and I encourage anyone with an interest in books, writing or those who just want to support the creative industry, to join in on the fun.”
