See the people in the photo enjoying themselves? That was last March, when there was standing room only at the official opening of the first Manly Writers' Festival, with special guest Thomas Keneally AO in conversation with Hamish Macdonald of the ABC.
Here are just a few reasons why you should be part of the happy audience in 2025.
Special Events
Join award-winning writer Blanche d’Alpuget as she unveils her latest novel, The Bunny Club, in a book launch at Manly Spirits Distillery, complete with themed ‘Bunny Club’ cocktails, shared antipasto and Jazz with Kate, all superbly brought together by host Jeremy Fernandez.
A charity literary trivia evening at Manly Surf Life Saving Club will support the Northern Beaches Community Cancer Charity (NBCCC) which is raising funds for a Cancer Care Coordinator to help patients such as Simon. (And yes, do ask why Northern Beaches Hospital can't get funding for one from public funding). Host is Murray Shaw with quizmaster Kate Grant.
Join us for High Tea in our very own Chairman's Lounge at the Manly Golf Club with journalist and author Joe Aston and host Helen Vatsikopoulos, as we find out more about how a once much-loved Aussie icon managed to trash its own brand so spectacularly.
Peter FitzSimons: We're not sure whether Peter FitzSimons even needs an introduction, but suffice to say we're thrilled to have him talk with Anne Maria Nicholson about his latest book, The Legend of Albert Jacka, his vast library of work, and any other issues that might just be relevant to the time...in Peter's inimitable fashion.
Author Talk: Peter FitzSimons, Saturday 29th March: 9.30am
Aarti Betigeri: What's it like to grow up Indian in Australia and have a foot in two continents? How do you resist being borne back ceaselessly into the past with the pull of family ties when you're dealing with a present that is so different? That is the premise for Growing Up Indian in Australia, edited by Aarti Betigeri. Aarti will be joined by Manly local Sharon Verghis who contributed to the book and Deep Gujral (of Manjits). They are in conversation with Summer Land.
Made In India, Saturday 29th March: 2.50pm
Heidi Coupland, Michelle Lesh, Anthony Sobb: One in two Australians are estimated to receive a cancer diagnosis before the age of 85. Treatment is improving, but it doesn't work for everyone. So how do you deal with a cancer diagnosis of a loved one? How do you cope with the treatment? What is the impact on relationships, children, and the rest of your circle? Heidi, Michelle, and Anthony share their personal experiences of love, grief and coming out the other side through their incredible memoirs. They are talking with Michaela Kalowski.
Fighting the Long Goodbye, Friday 28th March: 11.20am
Liz Deep-Jones, P.J. Laverty, Amy Schembri, Texi Smith, Karen Viggers, David Weiner: These six authors have penned fiction and non-fiction books that engage young adults through football (soccer)—Australia's most played sport for young people. With host Niav Owens we not only look at their books and their stories, but the role of sport-themed books in assisting young people who may not be 'natural' readers.
Reading the Game: Inspiring Young Readers Through Football, Sunday 30th March: 12.45pm