Book lovers unite
Literature lovers and creative minds will want to bookmark this one!
Australia’s premier youth festival of its kind – the Somerset Celebration of Literature – is back for its 25th year, with the entire Gold Coast community encouraged to get involved and celebrate the joy of reading and writing.
The crème-de-la-crème event of the literature scene, the Somerset Celebration of Literature is the brainchild of a former Somerset College English teacher and librarian, who dreamt of creating an opportunity for children and authors to come together and read in an interactive space.
The celebration kicks-off from February 10 with a pop-up library activation in Surfers Paradise, with the whole family invited to enjoy complimentary books.
From February 24 to March 17, authors from across the country will hold interactive readings and workshops for both children and adults at Somerset College and beyond, giving Gold Coast locals the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators and to have their favourite books signed.
Last year was the most successful festival yet, with more than 21,000 tickets sold and more than 60 schools from South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales taking part. This year is expected to be bigger and better than ever!
What started as a humble event at Somerset College, with a handful of authors, has grown to be an all-inclusive city wide event recognised as the writers’ festival for the Gold Coast. Support is also offered from Australia’s major publishing houses who actively encourage their Authors to join the exclusive list of literary greats who share their knowledge and love of reading with the next generation. We’ve put together our shortlist of exciting events to earmark during this years’ festival:
February 10 to 18: Pop-up Library Activation
Surfers Paradise Beach will be transformed into a library offering complimentary books to members of the community. Last year more than 6,000 books were handed out to passers-by in just three days – so make sure you pay a visit to Somerset College’s volunteers during the week-long activation to score some free books! It is every bookworm’s dream!
Donations for the Pop-Up Library can be made either at Somerset College Events Office or pop down to the library on the Beach.
February 24: ‘Creative Life – A Tugun Community Event’
Join authors and artists who will read and perform at Tugun Park on Coolangatta Road with festivities commencing at 3.00pm. Somerset Celebration of Literature has partnered with Division 14 Councillor Gail O’Neill to ensure an educational and entertaining day out for all.
March 17: Gertrude and Henry reading in Mudgeeraba
From 9.30am, pop-in and visit bookstore Gertrude and Henry in Mudgeeraba to hear from local author, Chris Collin, as he performs a reading on Saturday, March 17. Enjoy a complimentary coffee while the children enjoy the reading.
March 17: Winner of Somerset College’s song writing competition announced
Head over to the Paddock at the NightQuarter in Helensvale on Saturday, March 17, as the winner of the Somerset College Song Writing Competition is announced from 4.30pm.
The Somerset Song Writing Competition provides an opportunity for high school students to engage with some of Australia’s elite music industry partners. The national winner is invited to participate in the 2018 ’50 Songs in five days – Emerging Holiday Camp’ from April 22 to 28 at Sydney Olympic Park in New South Wales.
Get your tickets
Standard session prices are $7 per person. For further information on all the great events happening during the Somerset Celebration of Literature, and to secure tickets, head over to www.SomersetCofL.org.au
