The much-anticipated Manly Writers’ Festival 2025 returns for its second year, promising three days of engaging discussions, powerful storytelling, and creative inspiration from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30.
With over 125 writers, journalists, academics, and creators across more than 50 events, this year’s festival expands on its debut success, offering a vibrant program designed to spark curiosity and inspire change.
From social media and AI to memoirs, politics, sports, and historical fiction, the festival caters to diverse interests and passions.
Festival Founder and Director Bonita Mersiades said, “We are thrilled to bring together such an incredible array of talent for this year’s festival. We hope that the festival helps connect people and ignites meaningful conversations through reading, writing and ideas.”
Highlights of the Program Include:
Opening Night Book Launch: Join award-winning writer Blanche d’Alpuget as she unveils her latest novel, The Bunny Club, in a special event at Manly Spirits Distillery, complete with themed cocktails and an antipasto platter.
Author Talks: One-on-one author talks with authors Heather Morris, Peter FitzSimons, Jane Caro, Debra Oswald and Lech Blaine.
Trailblazing Discussions: Notable names like Damian Collins OBE and Julie Inman-Grant will explore pressing issues like AI, social media, and online safety, providing invaluable insights for parents and educators.
Fundraising Trivia Night: A charity literary trivia evening at Manly Surf Life Saving Club will support the Northern Beaches Community Cancer Charity (NBCCC).
Conversation Circle: Geraldine Doogue will host a discussion on Navigating the Shifting Global Order with Geoff Raby, Dennis Glover, Don Watson and Collins.
Sunday Sessions at Manly Golf Club: Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Australian music and sport, capped off by an evocative Chairman’s Lounge experience with celebrated journalist Joe Aston.
Additionally, the festival includes a Schools Program, which empowers young minds with news literacy skills that help them separate fact from fiction. The program is guided by Gavin Fang and Tracey Kirkland from the ABC, Kim Smee from the Manly Observer, and Jill Valentine, author and communications executive.
Attendees will also be able to discover the latest in contemporary fiction, biography, and true crime and fictional crime from emerging, local, and celebrated authors.
The festival is proudly supported by the TAG Family Foundation, Northern Beaches Council, Fair Play Publishing, Hennessy Coffee, and Aide de MD and has Gleebooks as its official bookseller.
View the program, authors, and hosts online; or download the program here.
