On 30 April and 1 May, the May Day weekend, the Clunes Booktown Festival returns after two years in the COVID wilderness. It’s hard to imagine a better time or place to unearth that book that’s been itching at the back of your mind for the last two years.
For two days, the main street the historic Clunes township will transform, once again, into a spectacular book bazaar. Over fifty specialist book traders will offer an extraordinary range – new and second- hand, antiquarian, and contemporary, rare and popular – covering every imaginable topic and theme.
Clunes Booktown celebrates every aspect of the book – not just writing and reading but making, publishing, retailing, and sharing. Along with the wares on display, you’ll find conversations with writers and storytellers (many with their latest book hot off the press), DIY and independent publishers, book club activists plus a range of panel conversations that connect the book to many of the issues of the day.
The opening panel of this year’s festival features the founders of the Melbourne School of Discontent – Jacqui Katona, Tony Birch and Gary Foley – a line-up sure to get things firing. Authors featured include Jock Serong, JP Pomare, Eliza Hull, Don Watson, Sean O’Beirne, Chloe Hooper, Fiona Scott Norman, Arnold Zable, Jacinta Parsons and more!
Ssurrounding the talks, workshops and book signings and sales, there will be live entertainment, street performers, an interactive kid’s precinct and program and plenty of food and drink from the stalls and shops of local providores.
Clunes is about thirty minutes rom Daylesford by car. Public transport is possible by bus and train via Creswick.
Clunes Booktown is a COVID-safe ticketed event. All ticket holders must show proof of vaccination upon entry. If social distancing is not possible when on site, wearing a mask is recommended for your safety and for that of your fellow book lovers.
For further information and to book ticket visit https://www.clunesbooktown.com.au/2020/
