By JESSE GRAHAM
FANS of one of Australia’s most famous poets will converge on Toolangi next weekend to mark 100 years since the release of C.J. Dennis’s well-known works.
The seventh annual Toolangi C.J. Dennis Poetry Festival will be held at Toolangi’s Singing Gardens on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.
This year’s festival will mark 100 years since the release of Dennis’s iconic work, The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, which tells the story of larrikin, Bill, and a woman named Doreen.
Jan Williams from the Singing Gardens said the weekend had a full program of events, including open mic poetry sessions, presentation of awards for a poetry competition and performances throughout both days.
She said the event was popular among Australian poetry fans, with visitors from New South Wales and South Australia making their way down to celebrate Dennis’ works.
A book will also be released at the festival featuring the winners of the festival’s annual poetry competition.
Ms Williams said the competition featured a section for adults writing poetry for children, which is judged by an adult and by primary school children – this year, Millgrove Primary School’s Grade 3/4 class judged the entries.
Poet, Jim Brown said the centennial of The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke was important for the fans of Dennis, who Mr Brown said was one of the most famous Australian poets of all time.
Mr Brown said Dennis’s works featured in a trench edition, a book given to Australian soldiers during World War I, alongside that of Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson.
He said the festival would also be a chance for budding poets to come and show off their works, and talk to enthusiasts and other poets about how to hone their craft.
The Toolangi C.J. Dennis Poetry Festival will be held on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.
Entry is $20 per day or $35 for the weekend, excluding meal prices.
Ms Williams said visitors could bring their own food, but must take their rubbish with them when leaving the venue.
For more information, or to book, call Jan Williams on 5962 9282.
