THE Sydney Writers’ Festival is a celebration of books, writing, and ideas that sparks conversation across Australia. Through the Live and Local program, the festival reaches far beyond Sydney.
It invites communities to experience the diverse program in libraries and community centres, offering regional Australia the opportunity to hear new ideas, stories and voices.
Since 2023, Arts Gloucester has streamed the event at the Senior Citizen Centre, giving local audiences front-row access to conversations with leading novelists, poets, journalists, public intellectuals, economists, politicians, podcasters, and scientists as they explore the big questions shaping our world.
“The Sydney Writers’ Festival Live and Local program is for anyone who is curious about the world and eager to explore new perspectives,” said Jenny Lindsay, Arts Gloucester’s Live and Local coordinator.
“The discussions don’t end when the talks do..
“Last year, attendees kept the conversations going during every break; it’s a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where ideas flow freely.”
This year’s streamed program features wide-ranging conversations, including interviews with renowned philosopher A.C. Grayling, celebrated chef Stephanie Alexander, bestselling Australian author Trent Dalton, and 2025 Booker Prize winner David Szalay.
“People are welcome to drop in for a single session or stay for the entire program: it’s completely flexible.”
Live and Local audience members can even join the discussion, submitting questions to the panel via text and shaping the conversation in real time.
“Several attendees from previous Live and Local events have had their questions broadcast to the panel,” said Charlie Lethbridge, Arts Gloucester Administrator – underscoring the unique opportunity for local voices to be heard on the national stage.
Sydney Writers’ Festival will live stream its headline events to Gloucester at the Senior Citizens Centre on Thursday 21, Friday 22, Saturday 23, and Sunday 24 May, 10 am to 5pm.
For the full schedule and session details, visit the Arts Gloucester website.
By Wendy BUSWELL
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