Going West Books and Writers Festival
Going West Books & Writers is the annual literary festival that takes place in Waitakere City each September. The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2005. Its original inspiration came from the train journey described by Maurice Gee in his novel, Going West. The festival incorporates a variety of word-based events:
- Literary Weekend – up close and personal with New Zealand writers, this weekend celebrates the kiwi writing spirit and features established and emerging authors. Held each year in Titirangi it has become known for its intimate congenial atmosphere.
- Storyfest – a free event designed to provide a smorgasbord of word-based delights for toddlers to grandparents.
- Book Market – second-hand, rare and hand-made books.
- Poetry Slam – introduced into the festival for the first time in 2004 with great success. Poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. It puts a dual emphasis on writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it.
- Related events - include: theatre by NZ Writers and performers, special word-based programmes for 13-18 year olds, text-based exhibitions at key local galleries.
- Steam Train Journey – The day-long adventure out West by steam train combined literature, location and locomotion. With great food and fine wine on tap, it is a chance to soak up the history of heritage stops along the Western Line that also become the settings for performances and reading from NZ writers and entertainers.
Visit www.goingwest.co.nz for more information.
The full text of Chris Price's 2008 opening address is available here.
