'MEDIA bad boy' and RACE AROUND THE WORLD star JOHN SAFRAN is one of several high profile young media and literary figures confirmed for this year's NATIONAL YOUNG WRITERS FESTIVAL. The festival, to be held in Newcastle from September 30 to October 4, is expected to double in size this year, over the October long weekend.
Last year when it was first run it attracted 400 visitors to the city.
Festival manager MARCUS WESTBURY recently confirmed the attendance of MATTHEW REILLY, author of ICE STATION, and CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS, author of LOADED which was made into the film HEAD ON. Others writers to attend include novelists LINDA JAVIN, the Hunter's MELISSA DEITZ, non-fiction writers MACKENZIE WARK and CATHERINE LUMBY and AUSTRALIAN STYLE editor MARK MORDUE. 'It's a great opportunity for Newcastle,' Westbury said.
'We will be attracting writers, journalists, editors and broadcasters with a combined audience of millions.
'We expect that Newcastle hotels, hostels, cafes and restaurants, pubs and parks will be full to overflowing for the festival.
'1998's festival was an almost no-budget affair, but it was an unqualified success. Festival sessions were broadcast nationally on TRIPLE J and RADIO NATIONAL. Feature articles appeared in THE AUSTRALIAN, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, ELLE magazine, countless street press, student press and smaller publications.
It's publicity for Newcastle that money can't buy. The festival is being organised by Newcastle-based youth arts organisation OCTAPOD with the financial support of THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS, THE NSW MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS and the NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL. TE
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