New digs, more days, and a literary extravaganza!
Published on 11 December 2024
Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest is set to impress again in March 2025 with an expanded program and a host of exciting new events.
The festival, which has grown significantly over the past five years, continues to celebrate creativity, community, and connection through the love of words.
In 2025, the festival will be held at a new location, Chinchilla Cultural Precinct, chosen for its ability to accommodate the growing program.
The main festival event spans two-days from 15-16 March, and allows for concurrent author sessions, a wider range of storytellers, and the debut of the Bookish Market showcasing local talent and small businesses.
The event calendar kicks off on Tuesday, 4 March with the first of the School Days sessions and concludes on Saturday, 22 March with a writers retreat at Jubri's Hideaway.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the 2025 line up will see tickets sell out fast thanks to the inclusion of headliners Christian White, Stephanie Trethewey, Gordon Bray, and Li Cunxin to name a few.
"Words Out West focuses on empowering creativity and connection within our community," Mayor Smith said.
"Uniting people of all ages and backgrounds through the power of storytelling is why Words Out West has been successful over the past five years.”
This year, the festival has introduced flexible ticketing options following feedback and learnings from previous years.
Attendees now have the option to purchase individual tickets or discounted full-day passes, providing tailored access and flexibility for festival goers of all interests and budgets.
"We encourage attendees to explore Chinchilla’s local cafes, parks, precincts, and small businesses throughout their stay," Mayor Smith said.
Council’s Community & Liveability General Manager Daniel Fletcher said the 2025 budget-friendly line-up has sparked great excitement and inspiration for local creatives.
“The Writers Workshop at Jubri’s Hideaway returns next year offering an immersive hands-on experience for aspiring authors,” Mr Fletcher said
"Our core mission is to deliver intimate, accessible experiences for writers, aspiring writers and book lovers.
“Resources have been reallocated to enhance the main festival experience allowing ticket prices to remain similar to last year.”
Tickets for next year's Words Out West festival are on sale now. To purchase, and for more information, visit www.wordsoutwest.info
2025 Speakers: Christian White, Stephanie Trethewey, Holly Ringland, Gordon Bray, Li Cunxin, Matthew Condon, Hayley Scrivenor, Vicki Bennett, Nikki Mottram, Maya Linnell, Georgia Harper, Claudine Tinellis, Sarah Todman, David Kelly, Sarah Armstrong, Kell Woods, Natalie Murray, Cristy Burne, Chris Collin, Charlotte Barkla, Geordie Lillis, Jordan Gould.
Words Out West Events Calendar at a Glance
School Days: Tuesday and Wednesday, 4-5 March in Dalby and Chinchilla
Schooners & Stories: Saturday, 8 March at the Windsor Hotel, Dalby
Festival Days: Saturday and Sunday, 15-16 March at the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
Books & Bubbles: Saturday, 15 March at the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
Writers Retreat: Saturday, 22 March at Jubri’s Hideaway, Dalby