We are excited to be returning to Clunes this year for the Booktown Festival on the weekend of 30 April – 1 May.

The festival celebrates books and authors, taking over the historic buildings and wide streets of this tiny town in the Goldfields, just under two hours from Melbourne.

We’ll be on hand with a large marquee featuring books from the authors appearing at the festival and hosting author signings, also selling bargain books and the latest releases, alongside over 50 booksellers selling rare and second-hand books.

As in previous years, there will be a program of authors speaking on a wide variety of topics. Here are just a few highlights from the program:

• To kick off the weekend there will be a panel by The Melbourne School of Discontent, a collective of Aboriginal and Islander activists and writers, featuring Tony Birch and Gary Foley, who believe there is a better path forward for Australia. Read more about the panel here.

• Carmel Bird, Lee Kofman and Chloe Hooper will be discussing writing biography and the challenges encountered when making the personal public in their session, Up Close and Personal.

• It wouldn’t be Booktown without a session on crime! This year you’ll hear from Katherine Kovecic, JP Pomare, Mary Rose Cuskelly and Jock Serong in Life of Crime, Tall Tales and True.

• The esteemed Don Watson will be discussing an incredible breadth of topics broached in his latest book Watsonia, in conversation with Readings’ own Sean O'Beirne.

• Beloved author Arnold Zable will be discussing his body of work, and particularly his latest book, The Watermill in conversation with Kerrie O'Brien from the The Age. You can book tickets here.

• Incredible sessions on creating a more positive future including stories from disabled parents, gardening and keeping chickens, as well as moving to the country. Please browse the program here for inspiration!

• The Kids Village - all weekend! There are some incredible children’s and young adult authors speaking and holding workshops in the Kids village. Authors include Sofie Laguna, Fiona Hardy, Amie Kaufman, Vanessa Len, Gabrielle Williams, and Zana Fraillon. The Young Writers’ Studio is also holding a Scavenger Hunt throughout the weekend, which encourages kids to collect clues around the festival before piecing together the story.

It goes without saying that the whole town comes alive with food trucks, fun and festivities. The autumn leaves are looking glorious right now and there is a crispness in the air that makes it perfect weather for escaping to Clunes to hear from fantastic authors, discover new and old books, and of course take a walk with a hot cup of coffee in-hand. Read more about this fabulous festival here and we’d love to see you in Clunes!