Perth stands alone without a major writers' festival
Perth is now Australia's only state capital without a major writers' festival, after plans to restart in 2026 fell through.
Perth has become the only Australian state capital without a major writers' festival. The Perth Writers' Festival was planned to return in early 2026.
No confirmed date has been set. The festival took a break in 2025.
It had shrunk to a single weekend by 2024. A Perth Festival spokesman said the intent remains.
They are focusing on creating right conditions for it to emerge sustainably. The literary component has been part of Perth's festival scene since 1953.
The University of Western Australia founded the festival. It became a standalone event in the 1990s.
The hiatus follows recent tensions in the arts community over Gaza war divisions.
- 1953 by University of Western Australia
- Festival founded
- 1990s
- Became standalone
- February 2024
- Last writers weekend
Why it mattersA writers' festival brings readers together with authors, raises the profile of literature, and generates cultural and economic benefit to a city.
AustraliaWestern Australian writers and readers have lost a major gathering to celebrate local and international literature, while Perth falls behind other Australian capitals.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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