Award-winning crime writers headline Sydney Writers’ Festival

An international best-selling crime writer, an award-winning true crime podcaster and the inaugural Parramatta Laureate in Literature headline a huge lineup in Parramatta for the 2024 Sydney Writers’ Festival.

This year’s festival includes eight exciting events across five Council venues at Parramatta, Granville, Epping and Wentworth Point from Wednesday 22 May – Sunday 26 May, 2024.

International crime novelist Michael Connolly (Resurrection Walk) will explore the compelling genre as part of a high-level discussion, while fan favourite ABC Radio Sydney’s Thank God It’s Friday returns with host Richard Glover presenting a special Sydney Writers’ Festival edition of the program, with both on show at Riverside Theatres. 

Australian journalist and award-winning podcaster Hedley Thomas will provide a behind-the-scenes look into the making of his captivating hit true crime podcast The Teacher’s Pet at PHIVE.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said the line-up is a real coup for the City.

“This line up really celebrates and backs Parramatta’s reputation as an international City at the forefront of the arts and culture scene,” Cr Esber said.

“For the past few years, Parramatta has starred as a location for the Sydney Writers’ Festival, and we hope this inspires other event organisers to look west and consider the City as a future destination for their event.”

“This is also a great opportunity to visit some of Parramatta’s best venues including Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library, Epping Library, PHIVE, Riverside Theatres and the new Parramatta Artists Studios at Granville.

“I encourage everyone to come and see how much the City has grown in such a short time.”

For the first time, Parramatta Artists’ Studios Granville will host a major event as part of the festival. Eat Your Words combines delicious food, stories and conversation in the City’s newest creative hub.

Other highlights include an in-conversation event at PHIVE with the inaugural City of Parramatta Laureate in Literature, Yumna Kassab. Parramatta's Laureate in Literature recognises the contribution of a local writer to Australia's cultural identity and impact on the global stage. Yumna will share her love for her city and Western Sydney, its writers, and her football club following the release of her latest novel Politica. 

Author, storyteller and television presenter Holly Ringland will also be hosting an exclusive conversation about her latest book The House That Joy Built at PHIVE. It follows her bestselling debut coming-of-age novel, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.

School students also have the chance to expand their writing skills and are encouraged to think outside the square with Riverside Theatres hosting its School Days activities on the 23 and 24 May.

For tickets and move information about Sydney Writers’ Festival events in Parramatta, please visit atparramatta.com/sydney-writers-festival