Words Out West delivers a novel approach to storytelling in 2021

Words Out West will return to the region for its second year in March 2021, signifying a new chapter for premier events in the Western Downs and a fresh take on modern storytelling.  

Following a highly successful introduction to the region’s festival calendar in 2020, Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest promises the same high standard of speakers, with exciting new events added to this year’s program.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said Words Out West was a celebration of words in all their forms and offered an opportunity for anyone to dip into their imagination and explore the power of storytelling.

“We are delighted to announce Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest will return to the region from 11 to 14 March next year, with an assortment of events, experiences and workshops on the agenda as part of the massive four-day Festival,” Cr McVeigh said.

“Last year’s inaugural event confirmed the Festival’s presence on our annual events calendar, with people of all ages and interests coming from all over to take part in this fantastic literary celebration.

“Words Out West 2021 will deliver the same high calibre of Literary professionals, with some of the keynote presenters including popular actor and children’s entertainer Jay Laga’aia, respected columnist Frances Whiting, Australian author and indigenous literacy advocate Professor Anita Heiss, true crime podcasters Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb, and novelist Nick Earls.

“Legendary Queenslander Shane Webcke will also join this year’s Festival line-up, visiting regional pubs for ‘Schooners and Stories’ in the days leading up the Festival, giving locals a chance to sit back and have a yarn at their favourite local.

“A huge list of local identities will also join Words Out West 2021 for various presentations, panel discussions, and workshops,  – including podcasters, illustrators, videographers, journalists and authors.”

Cr McVeigh said the festival would offer something for everyone with events planned right across the Western Downs.

“Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest 2021 is shaping up to be a massive celebration in the region. This year’s program will include two school days in Dalby and Chinchilla, two Schooners and Stories pub events, a main festival day in Dalby, Library After Dark cocktail event, and a Writers Retreat at the magnificent Jimbour House,” he said

“We’re also hosting two competitions in the lead up to the Festival, with short story and photo caption competitions sure to tweak the creative flair in anyone.

“I encourage locals and visitors to check out all the information by visiting the Words Out West website.”

Words Out West is a COVID-safe event and all necessary contact tracing, social distancing, and hygiene measures will be in place.

For all the details and to purchase your tickets, visit www.wordsoutwest.info and follow Western Downs Libraries on Facebook and Instagram.

Words Out West 2021 Fast Facts

Words Out West: Western Downs Readers and Writers Fest returns to the Western Downs for the second year To be held across four days between Thursday 11 March and Sunday 14 March, 2021 Main Festival Day in Dalby (Saturday, 13 March) School Days in Chinchilla (Thursday 11 March) and Dalby (Friday 12 March) Keynote speakers include Jay Laga’aia, Shane Webke, Frances Whiting, Anita Heiss, Meshel Laurie, Emily Webb, Nick Earls, and many more ‘Schooners and Stories’ with Shane Webke at two regional pubs (Friday 5 March and Saturday 6 March) Writers Retreat at Jimbour House ‘Library After Dark’ cocktail event with the authors (Saturday,13 March) Short Story competition Photo Caption competition Tickets and information available via www.wordsoutwest.info

— Ends —