Whitsunday Voices 20 Years Of Story-Telling

Embarking on the 20th year of excellence is The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and tickets are selling out fast!

Schools, groups and individuals are encouraged to check out this incredible two-day line-up, featuring the largest youth literature festival north of the Sunshine coast with dates penned in place for the 11th and 12th of July at Whitsunday Anglican School Mackay.

Kate Ceberano, Belinda Murrell, James Foley and Nick Earls are just some of the many talented presenters, authors, poets, illustrators and performers who will grace 65 schools across the region in a quality fun-based learning experience.

With workshops and sessions catering for students from Preparatory to Year 12, there is something for everyone with over 80 program sessions and workshops during the two-day Voices Festival event to share the wonder of books and reading.

Festival Manager, Mrs Tracey Gurdler, said the Voices Festival team were incredibly excited to bring the 2024 Festival to fruition next month and to play a part in the journeys of the region’s youth in writing and literature.

“A personal highlight is watching the student’s faces light up as their favourite authors hit the stage, encouraging the next generation of readers and storytellers,” Mrs Gurdler said.

“Every year, the Voices Festival brings a different buzz amongst the attendees.

“To see children engaged and inspired in the fun of literature, reading, writing and sharing stories is a joy to witness, this is what Whitsunday Voices Literary Festival is all about,” she said.

Bringing his infectious energy and enthralling sessions is Nick Earls, who attended the first Festival event in 2004 and is now back to join the line-up for the 20th. Nick’s sessions and experience with 28 books to his name, provide students with the tools to be ‘word hunters’ themselves, and encourages a new way of thinking about language for both middle graders and seniors alike.

Hailing in over 35 books, and soon to be another is Belinda Murrell who is launching the next title in the loved series, The Daredevil Princess during the two-day Festival. Her interactive sessions cover the stories behind the stories, her inspiration, life as an author, and her creative writing process. The LitChat event on Thursday 11 July with Belinda also provides an exceptional professional development opportunity for teachers and educators.

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival 2024 will be held on 10-12 July 2024, on campus at Whitsunday Anglican School, with tickets on sale now. Students can purchase tickets individually, or as part of their School’s program.

To continue their contribution to the literacy, cultural legacy and social fabric for future generations, Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival heavily relies on major sponsors and supporters in the local community.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the website whitsundayvoices.com.au.

‍

The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival marks its 20th year with a stellar line-up promising an enriching literary experience for students from Prep to Year 12 at Whitsunday Anglican School Mackay on July 11th and 12th. Images supplied

‍