Welcome to 2023.
It’s wonderful to reconnect again after years that have been peppered with long lockdowns and countless cancellations. It’s no secret the pandemic has been particularly disruptive to those planning and organising festivals and events.
With that in mind, I’d like to begin my time with Mudgee Readers’ Festival by thanking those who sustained us during the tough times. Our outgoing Creative Director & General Manager, Portia Lindsay, has built the festival into one of regional NSW’s most vibrant and diverse literary weekends. While two festivals couldn’t proceed due to the pandemic, Portia ensured Mudgee Readers’ stayed afloat, leaving our organisation in good stead as we make the move back to a full program of events this 19-20 August.
Thankfully, Portia is still close by, and is excited to work with us as our local bookstore representative. And how incredibly excited we are to have The Book Nest (Mudgee’s locally owned bookstore) alongside us as we return to a full-format festival.
Our organisation wouldn’t exist without our brilliant volunteer committee. A small group of fervent readers who work tirelessly to connect our community via stories and conversations. We can’t wait to bring new and returning visitors together to promote diversity, inclusion and the love of all things literary … right here in the Mudgee region.
For now, we’re busily working behind the scenes to curate this year’s program and to set the wheels in motion for what we hope is a festival to remember.
Keep a look out on our website and social accounts for upcoming announcements, and I hope to see you in Mudgee this August.
Rhys Gard
Creative Director / General Manager
Mudgee Readers’ Festival