Words flow like wine at festival

WORDS spoken, written, sung, and in art form will take centre stage this week in the second annual Festival of Words.
The festival, presented by Eastern Regional Libraries, Swinburne University Woorilla Publications and the Shire of Yarra Ranges with support from a number of local business sponsors, began on Sunday with Haiku in the Forest at Sherbrooke.
It will continue tomorrow night (Wednesday, 27 July) at The Ranges Hotel in Gembrook, with Ballads, Songs and Poems of Identity, then flows into a packed weekend of events.
Highlights include journalist Martin Flanagan presenting on Friday the Town and Gown Lecture An Argument for Optimism; Getting Published with advice from experts in the industry on Saturday; and on Sunday, Brunch with the author of the Phryne Fisher mysteries, Kerry Greenwood, and a retrospective of the work of famous Australian author Ivan Southall.
Each of the 13 events promises an entertaining encounter with people who love words, and words loved by people.
For a full program of events and booking details visit www.swinburne.edu.au/festivalofwords or call 9215 7109.