From the Chairperson

The Somerset Celebration of Literature is a Festival that infuses people of all ages with a passion for reading and writing. Over its 19 years, the Festival has seen dynamic growth and transformation. Song, theatre, music and art are just some of the ways in which the Somerset Celebration of Literature has reinvented itself over the years. Underpinning the Festival throughout its life is the unwavering belief in the value of reading and writing and the on-going commitment to contributing to the cultural capital of the Gold Coast.

The sign of a vibrant and thriving culture is one that has a flourishing system of artists, writers, thinkers and scientists; people who challenge us to hold the mirror up to our society. Just as importantly, a community needs people who can read, critique, discriminate, argue and participate in the debate on the important issues in society.

Our Festival each year is tangible evidence of the way Somerset contributes to the culture of the region. By bringing to the Gold Coast recognised writers each year, and giving young people from over 55 schools from Queensland and New South Wales the opportunity to workshop stories with them, discuss ideas and books with them and to enjoy reading, the College is making a very real contribution to the community.

The Somerset Celebration of Literature is open to everyone and also offers plenty for adults, from seminars and workshops through to social events including the Festival Launch Party, Literary Lunch and Literary Dinner.
 
It all begins on the Wednesday as a swarm of Festival-goers descends upon Somerset College to be captivated by the writers and ‘turned on’ to reading and – by this – to a lifetime of opportunity. The festivities continue on the Thursday and Friday as students and adults are entertained and educated by authors and illustrators such as Leigh Hobbs, Sorrel Wilby, Oliver Phommovanh, Tristan Bancks, Susanne Gervay, Ursula Dubosarsky, James Roy and Cath Crowley, to name just a few.

The Somerset Celebration of Literature culminates with the Literary Dinner, where the winner of the National Novella Writing Competition, a breeding ground for many of Australia’s budding writers, is announced.
This Festival has the support of over 35 businesses and runs on the goodwill of hundreds of volunteers, without whom this event would simply not eventuate. So we thank them wholeheartedly for their enthusiastic support.

We are delighted to be your hosts and hope you have fun and feel welcome at the College over these three days.

Dr Michael Brohier
Chairperson