Festival of Stories is exactly that.
The inaugural event is the brainchild of journalist and writers’ festival enthusiast Christy O’Brien, who’s been wanting to run a writers’ festival locally for 15 years.
“I’m a huge fan of writers’ festivals, I’ve been going to them for years and I felt like one would go well here,” Ms O’Brien said.
“As well as having amazing storytellers from all over Australia come to our town, we’re also highlighting our local storytellers; it’s not always about the big names, it’s about our local people as well.”
The three-day festival includes around 30 individual events, several of them free, with forums, workshops, luncheons, live music and comedy drawing interest from far and wide.
The opening night event, on Friday, October 16, featuring First Nations musicians and storytellers Dan Sultan, Benny Walker and Madi Colville-Walker, at the historic Echuca Wharf, has already sold out.
“I’m really proud to be sharing our Yorta Yorta storytellers,” Ms O’Brien said.
“As First Nations people, they’re our first storytellers.”
The weekend will also include walks, a weaving workshop, nature journalling, yoga sessions, a poetry breakfast and the 160th birthday of the PS Adelaide paddlesteamer.
Ms O’Brien said the festival had something to interest everyone and the aim was to make it all-inclusive for creators and consumers alike.
The festival starts on Friday, October 16 and concludes on Sunday, October 18, with a free open mic live music event at Gypsy Bar, headlined by Tom Harrington.
To see the full program or book a spot at any of the events, visit festivalofstories.com.au
