Writers head to the Snowy Mountains for Easter weekend Readers Writers Festival

Some of Australia’s most entertaining and inspiring writers and illustrators will head to the spectacular Snowy Mountains this Easter for the second annual Snowy Mountains Readers Writers Festival.

The festival will be held from Friday, March 29 through to Sunday, March 31 and will weave its magic along a literary trail winding through the regional towns of Berridale, Jindabyne and along the beautiful Alpine Way to Thredbo.

More than 20 talented and charismatic writers will participate in this year’s festival and will deliver great enjoyment to visitors and locals alike.

The festival will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region which will be reflected in a program featuring a gala dinner, literary lunches, a poetry breakfast, a gardening forum, writers’ workshops, panels and forums and, even special children’s events including writing, art workshops and a fairy party.

“Special key events over the weekend will showcase the talents and storytelling of both local and national authors and there will be a number of literary events for everyone,” says Helen Besestri, president of the Snowy Mountains Readers and Writers Festival.

One such event will be the celebration of the centenary of the birth of one of the region’s most famous authors, Elyne Mitchell, who in 1958 wrote the “The Silver Brumby”. This book quickly became a much loved classic of Australian children’s literature and her daughter, Honor Auchinleck, will share stories about her extraordinary mother and talk about her recently published books “On the trail of the Silver Brumby” and “Elyne Mitchell: A Daughter Remembers”. This gala dinner will be held on Saturday, March 30 at Horizons Resort Jindabyne.

Other authors on the program will include: Charlotte Wood, Aleesah Darlison, Sulari Gentill, Jesse Blackadder, Barry Maitland, Trisha Dixon, Matthew Condon, Mick Joffe, Lisa Sweeney, Lizz Murphy, Lisa Walker, Sue Pieters-Hawke, AJ “Sandy” Mackinnon, Karen Viggers.

Many of the authors will join together over the weekend to discuss current topics and lead discussions on entertaining panel conversations.

The 2013 festival will also include a Children’s Celebration entitled “Books, Brumbies and Unicorns”.

“This celebration will involve children’s workshops with local and visiting authors and artists exploring the themes of imagination, creativity and storytelling,” says Mrs Besestri.

“Authors and artists will include popular Australian author Aleesah Darlison who has written the “Unicorn Rider” series. Aleesah is experienced in presenting interactive and educational sessions for children including puppeteering, storytelling and the art of making picture books.”

Local author Paula Boer will also contribute enormously to the Children’s Celebration with her wonderful “Brumbies” series. The recent release of “Brumbies in the Snow” will attract older children and the accompanying art workshop will be designed for them and will be supported by Jan Owens a well
known local art teacher.

Head to the Snowies this Easter and join some of Australia’s leading authors to celebrate all things literary. Get online and view the program or book tickets from mid-February. For more information visit: www.snowymountainswritersfestival.org.

The Festival is proudly sponsored by Kosciusko Thredbo, Horizons Resort, 2020 Group, Snowprint Bookshop, 2XL, SnowFM, Lake Crackenback Resort, Snowy River Shire Council, Jindabyne Lions, South East Arts and Snowy River Echo.

Shaaron Ellis, of Snowprint Bookshop and Program and Author Co-ordinator is available for interview on M: 0429 080 113 W: 02 6457 1115 H: 02 6456 2225

For more media information, bios and photos please contact:

Meagan Cutcliffe
Snowy Mountains Public Relations
0477 047 331
meagan@snowymountainspr.com.au