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Newcastle Writers Festival

@newwritersfest.bsky.social
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Join us for the 2027 festival from 2 to 4 April linktr.ee/newcastlewritersfestival

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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Last night we welcomed Suzie Miller to Newcastle for a special event reflecting on her remarkable career across theatre, literature and law. She spoke with Rosemarie Milsom about her new novel Inter Alia. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our wonderful volunteers, sponsors and supporters.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Join us for our next Read the Room event at The Lock-Up on Saturday 24 October. To celebrate the spirit of the location, perhaps bring along a true crime read! Though of course, whatever you're currently reading is perfectly okay. Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...
A white background, a yellow and blue gradient graphic of the words “READ THE ROOM,” where the final “M” is replaced by an open book, and illustrations of four people reading while sitting in chairs, on the ground, and in a wheelchair. A yellow and blue gradient background, text outlining the event details above and illustrations of people and a dog reading while sitting on the ground.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Cadance Bell, Yumna Kassab, and @nickmilligan.bsky.social write genre-blending books that refuse neat labels. They spoke with @ninakcullen.bsky.social at #NWF2026 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
From left to right, Nick, Nina, Yumna and Cadance are shown smiling for a photo, with Nick, Yumna and Cadance each holding a copy of their book.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition, which attracted over 150 entries from 49 schools across the Hunter region. Read more at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/schools-writing-competition-winners
A photo of our under-10s winners standing with their certificates of achievement in front of a digital Story Hunter banner.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our September Read the Room event, and to LOLAS Darby St for hosting. We'll be sharing the details for our October reading party next week! Subscribe to our newsletter to find out first: mailchi.mp/newcastlewri... Supported by Create NSW and Newcastle BIA
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Submissions for the 2026 Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize close tomorrow at midnight! The winner will be awarded $5000 for professional development and a week-long residency at Varuna, The National Writers' House. Learn more at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-fresh-ink-prize-now-open
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Submissions for the 2026 Fresh Ink Prize close next Monday! The winner will be awarded $5000 to support the development of their writing as well as a week-long residency at Varuna, the National Writers' House. Learn more and submit at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-fresh-ink-prize-now-open
A yellow background with the NWF logo, a black ink drop graphic with the text 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize' and the text '2026 Submissions closing soon'.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
‘My bones have knitted with this place,’ writes Hannah Kent in her memoir Always Home, Always Homesick, a love letter to Iceland. She spoke with Amy Sambrooke at #NWF2026 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
@alliparkerwriter.bsky.social and @emmapeiyin.bsky.social write compelling high-stakes historical novels that reach across generations and borders to examine inheritance, silence and survival. They spoke with Phoebe McIlwraith at #NWF2026 🎧 www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
The 2026 Fresh Ink Prize is now open to emerging writers in regional NSW. Hear from our 2022 winner about how the prize helped her publish her debut novel. Submissions close at 11.59pm AEST on 7 September. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-fresh-ink-prize-now-open/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Bestselling authors Natasha Lester and Tara Moss draw on meticulous research and propulsive storytelling to reanimate overlooked lives. In conversation with @janecaro.bsky.social, they explore the remarkable women who inspire their historical fiction. 🎧 www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Join us for a special event with one of Britain's most celebrated writers, Andrew O'Hagan. In conversation with Rosemarie Milsom, O'Hagan will discuss his remarkable body of work and most recent book, Caledonian Road. 📅 14 October 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/spring-program-andrew-ohagan/
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
Spring Program: An Evening with Andrew O'Hagan - Newcastle Writers Festival 2027
Join us for a special event with one of Britain’s most celebrated writers, Andrew O’Hagan, at Newcastle Library on Wednesday 14 October 6.30-7.30pm. Andrew will speak to Rosemarie Milsom about...
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
We're thrilled to announce a special spring program with an exciting lineup, including award-winning writer and playwright Suzie Miller and beloved British author and Booker Prize nominee Andrew O'Hagan. Learn more and book tickets at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/spring-program-2026/
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
Spring Program 2026 - Newcastle Writers Festival 2027
Newcastle Writers Festival is delighted to announce a special spring program with an exciting lineup of Australian and international writers. Four events will be held throughout September and October,...
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
'Australia's favourite storyteller' Peter FitzSimons brings to life the gripping true story of Australian surgeon and POW Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop. Fitzy speaks to Corrie Perkin in this episode of #StoriesToYou. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Join Madeleine Gray, @alliparkerwriter.bsky.social, and Zoe Terakes for a powerful, candid conversation with Kaya Wilson about what it means to write – and live – queer stories today. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Last Sunday, booklovers joined us at The Grand Hotel for a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community. Thank you to everyone who attended the booked-out event. Our next reading party will be held on 12 September at LOLAS Darby St. Book now at events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...
A photo of people sitting around tables, holding their books up and smiling at the camera in The Grand Hotel during our July Read the Room event.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
In this conversation recorded at NWF2026, @joshbornstein.bsky.social, @acgrayling.bsky.social, and @antoinettelattouf.bsky.social examine the impact of censorship and what we stand to lose. Hosted by Peter Greste. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Recent books by Tyree Barnette, Brandon Jack and Andrew Pippos offer insight into the complexities of men’s lives. They talk to Michael Williams about masculinity and identity, and the impact of men speaking openly – or not – about what hurts. 🎧 Listen at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Submissions for the 2026 Fresh Ink Prize are now open to emerging writers in regional NSW! Learn more and submit at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-fresh-ink-prize-now-open/
A yellow background with the NWF logo, a black ink drop graphic with the text 'Fresh Ink $5000 Emerging Writers Prize' and the text '2026 Submissions open'.Headshots of Sarah Armstrong and Raeden Richardson, with the text '2026 Fresh Ink Prize Judge' and their names added.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Join us for a special event with multi-award-winning Australian/British writer Suzie Miller on 1 October. In conversation with Rosemarie Milsom, Suzie will speak about her powerful new novel Inter Alia. Learn more and book tickets at events.humanitix.com/an-evening-w....
events.humanitix.com
An Evening with Suzie Miller
Suzie Miller reflects on her remarkable career across theatre, literature and law, discussing the ideas and experiences that have informed her work
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Newcastle Writers Festival is excited to announce that Tristan Sharp has been appointed Managing Director and Amy Lovat is the new Artistic Director. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/new-festival-leadership-announced/
A bird's-eye photo of people browsing the Maclean's pop-up bookshop in NUspace at this year's festival, with the festival logo and the text 'New Festival Leadership Announced' added.Headshots of Tristan and Amy with their position titles and names added.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The #StoriesToYou podcast series is back! The first of 10 episodes features Charlotte McConaghy in conversation with Courtney Collins about her award-winning third novel Wild Dark Shore. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Entries for the Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition close on 1 July! The winner in each age category will be awarded a $200 cash prize thanks to the generous support of The MacDougall Foundation. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Do you know a child with a story to tell? Entries for the Hunter Schools Writing Competition close on 1 July. There are 3 age categories, and the winner in each will be awarded $200 thanks to The MacDougall Foundation. Learn more at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Only 2 weeks left to submit to the Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition. The prize seeks to celebrate and encourage the next generation of young writers and offers cash prizes to winners in each age category. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We are recruiting for two key leadership roles: Managing Director and Artistic Director. These positions will play a vital role in leading the future of this thriving cultural institution. Applications close 5pm on 17 June. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/work-with-us-2026/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Story Hunter explores big ideas with young writers. Your support can help us continue taking local writers into schools to challenge young minds and inspire a love of writing. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/donate/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Yesterday afternoon, booklovers gathered at Hilliers Cafe for the festival's 2nd reading party. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the booked-out event, and to Dan Cox for hosting. Our next reading party will be held on 26 July at The Grand Hotel. 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
We are at a stunningly possible moment. The question is, who are you going to be in this moment? Sarah Wilson on living in a collapsing world during her in conversation with Rosemarie Milsom on Friday night.
Sarah Wilson speaking on stage at the Conservatorium of Music with Rosemarie Milsom smiling beside her.Sarah Wilson speaking with Rosemarie Milsom on stage at the Conservatorium of Music. A large banner is behind them that features a yellow background, the text 'I Eat the Stars: Sarah Wilson in Conversation' and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.Sarah signing a copy of her book, I Eat the Stars, while smiling at an audience member.A copy of I Eat the Stars upright next to a glass of water on a table on stage, with a velvet emerald green chair to the side.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community at our 2nd reading party! The project brings booklovers together for quiet reading and guided conversation hosted by Dan Cox. 📍 Newcastle Art Gallery's Hilliers cafe 📅 Sunday 31 May, 3pm-4pm 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...
A white background, a yellow to pink gradient graphic of the words “READ THE ROOM,” where the final “M” is replaced by an open book, and illustrations of four people reading while sitting on the ground, riding a unicycle, in a wheelchair and lying down.A yellow to pink gradient background, text outlining the event details above and illustrations of people reading while sitting, lying and under a tree.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Don't miss our special evening event with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson this Friday from 7.30pm. Sarah will speak to festival director Rosemarie Milsom about her new book I Eat the Stars. 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...
events.humanitix.com
I Eat the Stars: Sarah Wilson in Conversation
Bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson speaks to Rosemarie Milsom about her powerful, wise guide to finding beauty and meaning in a collapsing world.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Young writers living in the Hunter region are invited to submit to the Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition. The prize seeks to celebrate and encourage the next generation of young writers. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp/
A light blue background with the text, 'Hunter Schools Writing Competition', a graphic of a laptop with a hand holding a megaphone reaching out of the screen, the Story Hunter and NWF logos, and the text 'Proudly supported by' with The MacDougall Foundation logo.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
We are welcoming submissions from published writers at all stages of their careers to participate in the 2027 festival, which will be held from 2 to 4 April. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2027-program-submissions-now-open/
A yellow background with the NWF logo, the text '2027 Program Submissions Now Open' and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community at our 2nd reading party! Hosted by Dan Cox. 📍 Newcastle Art Gallery's Hilliers cafe 📅 Sunday, 31 May 3pm - 4pm Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...
events.humanitix.com
Read the Room in May
Settle in with a cuppa and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community. Bring your current book and discover new favourites.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Join us for an evening with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson on Friday, 29 May! Sarah will speak to festival director Rosemarie Milsom about her new book, I Eat the Stars. Learn more and book tickets at events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...
events.humanitix.com
I Eat the Stars: Sarah Wilson in Conversation
Bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson speaks to Rosemarie Milsom about her powerful, wise guide to finding beauty and meaning in a collapsing world.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
#NWF2026 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Thank you to our core funder Create NSW and major partner The University of Newcastle.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
We are seeking two flexible, passionate people with a background in education and/or creative writing to support the delivery of our Story Hunter program. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/story-hunter-guides/
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
WORK WITH US: Story Hunter Guides - Newcastle Writers Festival 2027
Newcastle Writers Festival is seeking two flexible, passionate people with a background in education and/or creative writing to support the delivery of our Story Hunter program. The Story Hunter Guide...
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
After 14 years at the helm of Newcastle Writers Festival, founding director Rosemarie Milsom has announced she will step down from the role in late May to take up the position of director of Adelaide Writers’ Week. Learn more www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/important-update-from-nwf-director/
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
Important Update from NWF Director - Newcastle Writers Festival 2027
After 14 years at the helm of Newcastle Writers Festival, founding director Rosemarie Milsom has announced she will step down from the role in late May to take up the...
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
You will be spoilt for choice at this year’s festival when it comes to food and drink 🍕🍷☕️ Within NUspace, there will be pizza and coffee vans as well as a kiosk with healthy takeaway options. A pop-up bar will operate on the ground floor of NUspace from 2pm to 6pm Saturday and 1pm to 5pm Sunday.
a yellow background with the text 'Where to eat at NWF2026', the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Heading to #NWF2026? 📚 Check out our guide to a seamless festival experience in the thread below!
A yellow background with the text 'Festival Survival Guide', the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
On Wednesday night we celebrated the unofficial launch party of #NWF2026 with Literary Trivia 📚 Thank you to Customs House for hosting, @nickmilligan.bsky.social for facilitating and everyone who attended. Explore the 2026 program at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/
A photo showing people sitting at tables at our 2026 literary trivia night, with screens behind them showing a trivia question about Peter Rabbit.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Former NSW premier Bob Carr speaks to @janecaro.bsky.social about his candid new memoir and the fragile, hard-won process of finding solace amid crushing grief. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/bring-back-yesterday-bob-carr-in-conversation/
 Bob Carr is shown smiling at the camera, wearing a blazer, blue business shirt and orange tie, with the ocean out of focus in the background. A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Bring Back Yesterday: Bob Carr in Conversation’, and the front cover of Bob's book Bring Back Yesterday.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Join us at #NWF2026 for a book launch! Many of the book launches in this year's program have now sold out, so get in quick to avoid missing out! Learn more in the thread below or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/
a yellow background with the text 'Book launches at NWF2026', the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Dive into the dark world of crime fiction with bestselling writers Candice Fox and JP Pomare, who are making their festival debut. Hosted by Abby Millerd. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/murder-they-wrote-candice-fox-and-jp-pomare/
A collage showing a headshot of Candice on the left and JP on the right.A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Murder, They Wrote: Candice Fox and JP Pomare’, and the front covers of Candice's book Redbelly Crossing, and JP's book The Gambler
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
We are thrilled to have City of Newcastle as a sponsor of #NWF2026 and to present a series of vibrant events in City Hall! Learn more and book at civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/al...
A photo taken at our NWF2025 opening night event in Concert Hall, City Hall, the text ‘What's on at City Hall' and 'proudly supported by' with the City of Newcastle logo, and the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Heather Rose will speak with Jacinta Parsons about her new novel, A Great Act of Love, an artfully woven historical tapestry, drawing on true stories spanning Tasmania, London and Norfolk Island. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-great-act-of-love-heather-rose-in-conversation/
A photo of Heather smiling, wearing a black jacket and leaning against a large tree. A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'A Great Act of Love: Heather Rose in Conversation’, and the front cover of Heather's novel, A Great Act of Love.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
One more week until #NWF2026 Join us in the Civic Precinct from 27 to 29 March for 100 free and ticketed events featuring 150 writers. Explore the 2026 program at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text, 'One week to go. 100 events featuring 150 speakers.' and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Literary Trivia with @nickmilligan.bsky.social is less than a week away! Bookings close at 5.00pm on Tues, 24 March. Customs House has requested that guests wishing to dine during the event upstairs pre-register their interest and select from a shortened dinner menu. Learn more at bit.ly/4sXpJKv
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
#NWF2026 would not be possible without the support of our major partner, the University of Newcastle. Join us for a vibrant range of free and ticketed events at NUspace, the Conservatorium of Music and Watt Space Gallery from March 27 to 29. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/
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Newcastle Writers Festival @newwritersfest.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
With his trademark wit & grit, Bryan Brown will chat to Dan Cox about how he shapes unforgettable characters & channels a lifetime of screen storytelling into fiction that’s as sharp, surprising, & compelling as he is. 🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-hidden-bryan-brown-in-conversation
A photo of Bryan Brown wearing a dark blue jumper and sitting with his arms folded in front of a dark background. A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'The Hidden: Bryan Brown in Conversation’, and the front cover of Bryan's novel The Hidden.
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