Two hundred artists will feature across more than 100 live events at this year’s Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF).
BWF Artistic Director Jackie Ryan said more than half the talent would be Queenslanders, as she released the program for the October 9-12 event, to be held for the first time at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Ms Ryan said Australian headline authors included Helen Garner, Trent Dalton, Sally Hepworth, Michael Robotham, Di Morrissey, Anita Heiss and Pub Choir’s Astrid Jorgensen, while international highlights included English historian, broadcaster and author Bettany Hughes, Hollywood insider (and nephew of Joan Didion) Griffin Dunne, Irish economist David McWilliams, romantasy star Callie Hart, American cultural critic Sophie Gilbert, and New York Times bestseller Eric Puchner.
She said the 2025 program was designed to surprise, delight, and encourage discovery.
“One of the many books we’re featuring at the festival this year is on conspiracies.
“Perhaps those authors can explain just how ‘Dark BWF’ managed to secure so many brilliant writers, such extraordinary panel combinations, and a certifiably incredible venue in the form of Brisbane Powerhouse.”
Ms Ryan said BWF would this year feature guest curators Sharlene Allsop (Aboriginal First Nations) and Jillian Bowie (Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander).
Tickets are now on sale, with more information on the Brisbane Writers Festival 2025 website.
