The Press Christchurch Writers Festival

LITERARY EVENTS TO REINVIGORATE THE LOCAL AUDIENCE

Following the cancellation of two proposed festivals, The Press Christchurch Writers’  Festival is determined that local audiences won’t miss out on hearing the words of some of our best writers - just because the earthquakes ravaged the city.

In July, August and September the festival is bringing some entertaining, challenging and thrilling literary events to Christchurch.

Read Aloud: Tuesday 26 July. As part of Kidsfest the festival presents Margaret Mahy, Ben Brown, Helen Taylor and James Norcliffe telling their tales from their own stories in the Events Dome in Hagley Park. 

 The Silence Beyond: Wednesday 27 July. Rachael King and Lloyd Jones in conversation about The Silence Beyond: Selected Writings of Michael King. In this new book,  Rachael has assembled a collection of her father’s wide-ranging, often personal and some previously unpublished essays, talks and eulogies highlighting the full scope of talents of one of New Zealand’s greatest modern thinkers.

The Larnachs. Sunday 7 August. Owen Marshall talks to broadcaster Ruth Todd, about his subtle and compelling new novel, The Larnachs, which draws on the family history  of James Ludie Lanarch - the politician and self-made man who built the famous 'castle' on the Otago peninsula. A memorable piece of fiction, from one of our most talented authors, it tells a tale of intrigue, morality, judgement and scandal.

Setting the Stage for Murder: Sunday 21 August. Two award-winning American crime writers, Tess Gerritsen and John Hart discuss their latest novels in a riveting session. This will be followed by the presentation of the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel by a New Zealand writer in 2010, with the finalists all reading excerpts from their thrilling tales.

Presented as part of Christchurch Arts Festival

  

Putting Words to the Feelings: Sunday 18 September. Five writers with strong Canterbury links – Fiona Farrell, Joanna Preston, Tusiata Avia, Carl Nixon and Charlotte Randall – reflect on their experiences of the Christchurch earthquake and how the reimagined landscape of the city and its surroundings will emerge within their writing.

Presented as part of Christchurch Arts Festival

What’s For Pudding?  Wednesday 31 August. Alexa Johnston talks to Kate Fraser, food editor of The Press, about her new collection of old tried and true recipes, the best selection of sweet treats that have graced New Zealand tables for generations. Following on from the success of Alexa Johnston’s best-selling “Ladies a Plate”, the choice of hot and cold puddings reflect the changing social habits in a century of cooking in New Zealand.

Read Aloud – Tuesday 26 July, 9.30am and 11.00am Child $5, Family $10 – door sales only

The Silence Beyond – Wednesday 27 July, 6.30pm -Cashmere Club - $15 www.dashtickets.co.nz

The Larnachs – Sunday 7 August, 1.00pm - Cashmere Club - $15 www.dashtickets.co.nz

Setting the Stage for Murder – Sunday 21 August, 11.00am  - TelstraClear Club, Hagley Park $20 – www.artsfestival.co.nz

Putting Words to the Feelings – Sunday 18 September, 1.00pm -  TelstraClear Club, Hagley Park - $5 – www.artsfestival.co.nz

What’s for Pudding? – Wednesday 31 August, 2.30pm The George Hotel - $25 www.dashtickets.co.nz

For all bookings and more information contact:

 Marianne Hargreaves

Tel: 03 940 8575

Mobile: 027 2298741

Email: admin@chchwritersfest.co.nz

www.chchwritersfest.co.nz