Josh Bornstein, AC Grayling, and Antoinette Lattouf - Censorship and its Consequences

Against a backdrop of shifting laws, social media restrictions and legal and political pressure, Josh Bornstein, AC Grayling, and Antoinette Lattouf examine the impact of censorship – and what we stand to lose. They consider whose stories disappear first, and how silence reshapes culture. Hosted by…

Tyree Barnette, Brandon Jack and Andrew Pippos - Masculinity and Mental Health

Recent books by Tyree Barnette, Brandon Jack and Andrew Pippos offer insight into the complexities of men’s lives. They talk to Michael Williams about masculinity and identity, and the impact of men speaking openly– or not – about what hurts. This conversation was recorded at the 2026 Newcastle Wr…

Charlotte McConaghy in Conversation - A Vanishing World

Charlotte McConaghy’s third novel Wild Dark Shore opens with a woman washing up on a remote island halfway between New Zealand and Antarctica. Who she is and why she’s there is the mystery that propels the narrative. In her first festival appearance, Charlotte speaks with Courtney Collins about wri…

Words & Music 2025, featuring William Crighton, Melody Pool and more

From the page to the stage, Words & Music is a festival project in which songwriters are invited by Newcastle curator Nick Milligan to write and perform an original work inspired by the written word. Whether it be a novel, poem, short story or something unexpected, pre-existing prose is channelled …

Sunday 29 March 2026

Saturday 28 March 2026

Lead up festival events 22 to 27 March 2026

Eric Beecher and Rick Morton in Conversation - Breaking the News

The ability of journalists to publish news in the public interest without interference and threats to their own safety is under increasing pressure. Diminishing resources, AI, and disinformation are just some of the threats to media freedom. Join journalists Eric Beecher and Rick Morton as they she…

Helen Garner in Conversation - About a Boy

Helen Garner returns with her signature candour and wit in an exuberant new book The Season, an account from the sidelines of the highs and lows of her youngest grandson’s footy team. Helen speaks with Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom about the vulnerability of boys and the bitt…

Thomas Mayo in Conversation - Always Was, Always Will Be

In his book Always Was, Always Will Be, Thomas Mayo investigates 'what's next?' for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. Thomas speaks with Clare Wright about lessons from the past, a path towards the future, and the new generation of First Nation…