Aboriginal farmer and award-winning writer Bruce Pascoe is joined by Bundjalung writer, editor and mentor Grace Lucas-Pennington for a far-reaching discussion focused on Dark Emu, Big Sky and his broader body of work.

Reconsidering the colonial myths that have attempted to justify dispossession, Pascoe’s writing offers deep insight into our history, and how science and philosophy, when tempered by holistic knowledge, offer possible pathways to a better future.

As Tolstoy once said, “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Happily, this means there are endless iterations of dysfunctional families in literature to appall and delight us.

If you love reading about chaotic families too, join host Benjamin Law for a special F*cked Up Families edition of his new book club The Book Showdown, with special guests Mirandi Riwoe and Brooke Davis.

Five incredible writers share their response to the Festival theme: Echoes & Edges. 

Hosted by Festival Director Maeve Marsden, the evening features Pip Williams, Larissa Behrendt, Micaela Sahhar, Michael Winkler and Marie Elena Ellis. Each reading will be followed by a breathtaking musical interpretation by cabaret icon Victoria Falconer. 

Begin the Festival with readings from four outstanding Blue Mountains authors spanning poetry, non-fiction, literary fiction, history and memoir. For visitors, this event provides the perfect opportunity to discover the depth of talent nurtured in the region. For locals, it’s a chance to connect with fellow artists and celebrate the creativity of our community.

Presented in partnership with MTNS MADE.

Suspended high above the stunning Jamison Valley, the Skyway Cabaret offers audiences a new way to experience poetry and stories, accompanied by an improvised soundtrack by multi-instrumentalist Victoria Falconer.

In the first session of the evening, celebrated poets Andy Jackson and Maria van Neerven use language to shape and embody identity, history, vulnerability and resilience.

Suspended high above the stunning Jamison Valley, the Skyway Cabaret offers audiences a new way to experience poetry and stories, accompanied by an improvised soundtrack by multi-instrumentalist Victoria Falconer.

In the second session of the evening, you will have the opportunity to sink into a place of reflection and yearning with two of Australia’s most skilfully evocative writers, Claire Thomas and Yumna Kassab.

Suspended high above the stunning Jamison Valley, the Skyway Cabaret offers audiences a new way to experience poetry and stories, accompanied by an improvised soundtrack from multi-instrumentalist Victoria Falconer.

Writing into our past or imagining our possible futures takes precision, creativity and a determined authorial voice. Join Jock Serong and Jordan Prosser for a sharply observed and unpredictable discussion about writing, music, and imagining possible worlds.

Bright and early on Sunday morning (yes, at 7:30am!), take a heart-stopping ride on the world’s steepest railway, then wander to the Rainforest Room where — like our featured authors — you may find yourself inspired by nature to tell stories in new and surprising ways.

Join Johanna Bell, James O’Hanlon and Rhett Davis, three very different but equally curious writers, in conversation with science journalist Bianca Nogrady.