THE 2026 edition of the Sydney Writers’ Festival has come to Port Stephens.
Thanks to “Live and Local” livestreams shown at the Raymond Terrace Library and the Tomaree Library and Community Centre, residents were able to access the much-loved Festival without having to travel all the way to Sydney.
Ann Mossop, artistic director of the Sydney Writers’ Festival, had a special message for those watching from afar.
“We’re really delighted to have you here,” Ms Mossop said.
“Of course, one day we want you to join us for the Festival in Sydney, but meanwhile we can’t wait to share the amazing writers in our program.
“Bringing writers and readers together is what we do.
“Thanks for doing your part and enjoy the conversations.”
This marks the third year that Port Stephens Libraries have broadcast the Festival for free.
The Festival can also be viewed via livestream at home, however tickets are required for each day.
Numbers at the local libraries were strong across the Festival, with attendees describing the experience as “thrilling” and “enriching for the soul”.
Attendees to the livestream even had the opportunity to submit questions for the Festival’s star authors.
The line-up for day one saw English philosopher A.C. Grayling discussing the future of democracy; Yann Martel, Robbie Arnott and Tasma Walton presenting their historical fiction novels; beloved Australian chef Stephanie Alexander highlighting her updated cookbook; and David Szalay tracing the evolution of his prize-winning work, Flesh.
On day two, new books by Susan Choi, Trent Dalton and Florence Knapp were presented; author Amitav Ghosh and researcher Luke Kemp revisited the past to find solutions to present-day problems; and novelist Mick Herron discussed the intricacies around adapting novels for the screen.
Finally, day three featured a collaboration between Sydney Writers’ Festival and University of NSW’s Resilient Democracy Lab, in a talk hosted by Nick Bryant and Rosalind Dixon about democracy and Trump’s America.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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