When winter arrives, many of us just want to curl up with a great view, a glass of local wine and a thrilling read.
How special is it then, to hear those same authors talk about what they have written and what they are reading with like-minded people -– that’s just icing on the literary cake!
The Kiama Readers’ Festival gains its name because it has been designed as a Festival for readers to discover new books and share the joy of reading.
Supported by Destination Kiama / Kiama Municipal Council, the festival is held over 2 days.
- Day 1, Friday July 19: Books in the Garden is all about food, growing food and being nourished by reading about food. Sessions will be held at award-winning Burnetts on Barney Nursery and feature Fiona Weir Walmsley from Buena Vista Farm Gerringong, Kirsten Bradley from Milkwood Permaculture in Tasmania, and award-winning horticulturalist Craig Castree from Victoria.
Friday night at Kiama Library features Fred Smith, the ‘singing diplomat,’ who will sing and speak about his time in Afghanistan and his book The Dust of Uruzgan.
“Fred Smith (who won the Australian Folk Music Award Solo Artist of the Year in 2022) is simply the best folk/country musician working in this, beyond writing some of the finest songs about Australians at war, he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful,” says SMH writer, Bruce Elder.
- Day 2, Saturday July 20, Books by the Sea is at The Pavilion in Kiama, a spot with one of the best views of the coast – Kiama’s lighthouse to the north, Surf Beach to the south and Pacific Ocean beyond.
Authors include Hugh Mackay, Sue Williams, Chris Hammer, Joanna Nell, Michael Brissenden, Karen Viggers, David Hardaker and Andra Putnis.
Saturday’s final session brings together Chris Hammer and Michael Brissenden, two journalists turned award-winning crime writers, who will talk to crime reviewer Professor Susan Turnbull about the great advantages of setting crime in Australia.
"There's the sense that the bush is fragile with the advent of climate change, bushfires, droughts, floods … [and] the people there are under pressure, and it helps explain why people commit crimes," Chris Hammer, who recently published his sixth novel The Seven, told ABC listeners in an RN interview.
This session is co-sponsored by the BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival.
To round off the festival, on Saturday night social commentator and writer Jane Caro will be guest speaker at a Gala Dinner at the Kiama Leagues Club.
Books available for signing and purchase at all festival events.
To book tickets online visit Trybooking and search (Kiama Readers Festival) or visit https://library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/krf
Or Call 02 4233 1133, or purchase tickets at Kiama or Gerringong Library.
KIAMA READERS FESTIVAL 2024
Enjoy a fantastic lineup of authors at this year’s Kiama Readers’ Festival.
FRIDAY JULY 19: BOOKS IN THE GARDEN 10am – 12.45pm at Burnetts on Barney Garden Centre.
Three authors – Fiona Weir from Buena Vista Farm, Kirsten Bradley from Milkwood Permaculture, and gardening guru Craig Castree. $35pp for three author talks. Book online
FRIDAY JULY 19: FESTIVAL LAUNCH 6pm at Kiama Library
Join us at Kiama Library to hear Fred Smith, the singing diplomat, author, and raconteur.
6pm-9pm with wine and finger food. $40pp Book online
SATURDAY JULY 20: BOOKS BY THE SEA 10am-4.30pm at The Pavilion, Kiama.
Join us to hear talks from authors Chris Hammer, Hugh Mackay, Joanna Nell, Michael Brissenden, Karen Viggers, David Hardaker, Andra Putnis and Sue Williams.
For the day’s last session, we have partnered with BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival for a panel moderated by Sue Turnbull, Professor in Media, and crime fiction reviewer for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Half Day Tickets (morning, two author talks) $35.
Half Day Tickets (afternoon, three author talks) $40.
FULL DAY TICKETS (five author talks including final crime session) $70 Book online
SATURDAY GALA DINNER 6pm at The Kiama Leagues Club
Join us for an evening of good food and special company at the Kiama Leagues Club and hear stories from novelist and social commentator Jane Caro
6pm: $65 for two-course dinner
