Explore the 2026 Program

2026 Festival Blogger: Round-up

Relive this year's gathering of writers and thinkers from near and far with Festival Blogger George Kemp.

George has captured profound moments and reflections from into an archive of stirring words, including an interview with the award-winning novelist Tayari Jones.

Queerstories

What an honour to be part of Queerstories at this year’s Festival. To be in a room filled with such bravery, humour, heart and...

In search of mothers

As the rain drizzled down outside The Old Clare Hotel, and Louis Armstrong and his band eased their music out of the lobby’s sound system...

Can we handle the truth?

As someone who has been attending this Festival as a reader for decades, I still hold memories of the bright yellow umbrellas down at Walsh Bay...

What's the scoop?

My name is George Kemp and I am a writer for page, stage and screen (as well as a ‘reformed actor’ of 20 years)...