Tuesday, February 27, 2024
As the Melbourne Writers Festival is gearing up to unveil its 2024 lineup in May, the Mornington Peninsula is already set to become a literary hub a bit earlier in the year. The Sorrento Writers Festival, returning for its second installment, will span from Thursday, April 25, to Sunday, April 28, bringing a wave of literary excitement to the region. This event not only promises to fill the peninsula with literary fervor but also stands to significantly bolster local tourism, hospitality, and air travel sectors.
This year, the festival boasts an impressive roster of over 100 events that are dedicated to celebrating literature and the power of ideas. These events will be scattered across various venues in Sorrento and Portsea, featuring discussions and talks by distinguished Miles Franklin Award laureates such as Alex Miller, Anna Funder, and Amanda Lohrey. Additionally, Peter Singer, a philosopher and bioethicist known worldwide, is slated to engage in a dialogue with Michael Cathcart on crucial issues such as social reform and education.
The festival is not just limited to award-winning authors. It will delve into a plethora of subjects through its panels and discussions, addressing First Nations narratives, the effects of climate change on local areas, the dynamics of Australian politics as of 2024, themes of migration and war (coinciding with ANZAC Day), and the intricate craft of memoir writing.
Furthermore, a lineup of renowned commentators and journalists, including Nick McKenzie, Hedley Thomas, Laura Tingle, John Silvester, Nick Savva, Greg Sheridan, and Caroline Wilson, will take the stage. The festival will also be graced by the presence of 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame and the iconic Magda Szubanski, adding to the event’s allure.
By drawing a crowd not only from the vicinity but also from distant locales, the festival promises increased occupancy for local accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Airlines can anticipate a surge in bookings as attendees from across the country and perhaps overseas plan their trips to the Mornington Peninsula.
The local economy is set to benefit from the influx of visitors who will explore the peninsula’s attractions, dine in its restaurants, and shop in its boutiques, injecting vitality into the community. Additionally, the festival’s diverse range of topics and celebrated speakers serve as a magnet for a broad audience, further amplifying its positive impact on the tourism sector. Through its contribution to the cultural landscape and its economic benefits, the Sorrento Writers Festival exemplifies how literary events can be a cornerstone of tourism and community engagement.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
