The South Coast Writers Centre (SCWC) has announced the dates and first guests for its 2024 South Coast Readers and Writers Festival.

Held at the Thirroul District Community Centre and Library on 13 and 14 July, the festival line-up will feature an array of stellar award-winning authors, talented new voices, acclaimed poets, broadcasters, and thinkers across more than 18 sessions.

The first guests announced for the festival are writer Bri Lee, leading television producer Roger Simpson, independent journalist Antony Loewenstein, novelist Catherine McKinnon, inaugural Parramatta Laureate for Literature Yumna Kassab, Gunai woman and artist Kirli Saunders (OAM), music biographer Jeff Apter, and historical fantasy author Kell Woods.

SCWC Director Sarah Nicholson said: "Returning for its third year in 2024, the South Coast Readers and Writers Festival promises a weekend filled with captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring conversations."

A full festival program will be announced in May.

Early bird tickets are now available at www.southcoastwriters.org/festival