THE dust may have only just settled, but plans are already afoot to make the inaugural Mansfield Readers and Writers Festival an annual event, with the organising committee elated by how well the festival was received.
Held over the first weekend in March, feedback was overwhelmingly positive with event organisers already fielding requests to lock in a date for next year's festival so that visitors (and authors alike) can prioritise it on the calendar.
More than 440 tickets were sold in total across a variety of 21 events over the weekend, with a couple coming from as far afield as New South Wales to attend the festival.
Just under 70 per cent of guests were from Mansfield Shire, whilst 20 per cent of ticket sales were from Melbourne with residents from regional Victoria making up the balance.
"It was wonderful to see visitors coming to Mansfield because they were excited about the program of events we were offering, as much as our beautiful location," said Miriam Zolin, Festival Artistic Director.
On top of the popularity of free, community events like the Little Lounge story book reading at the amphitheatre, and Poets Corner featuring the High Country Poets at the Delatite Hotel, the top selling sessions at the festival were 'Hijacked Histories' and 'Crime time in the country'.
'Hijacked Histories' saw a panel of historical fiction and non–fiction writers tackle questions on accuracy, truth and perspective.
'Crime time in the country' featured two local favourites, Gabriel Bergmoser and Margaret Hickey.
"Gabriel is making a splash globally with his thrilling high–octane novels like The Hunted and The Inheritance," said Miriam, "while award–winning Beechworth writer Margaret Hickey is about to release her third book to great acclaim."
Impressively four of the 18 authors at the festival, were local.
Charlotte Lindsay from Ink Bookshop was the official festival bookseller, with all books currently in stock, many of them signed.
As well as the strong local representation, Charlotte said it was incredibly exciting to have so many well–known writers come to Mansfield and to get to meet these people who write such amazing stories.
'The visiting authors all loved the event, and loved the town and the whole vibe," Charlotte said.
And that seems to be the general consensus, with Miriam commending the organizing committee along with the volunteers on a job well–done.
"We had a committee of seven and a skilled events manager in Mandi Johnston, who volunteered her time, however we have to extend our thanks to the whole Mansfield community," Miriam said.
"This was truly a community event, with nearly 20 sponsors, providing a range of support including logistics, venues, signage, discounts and cash support.
"We are immensely grateful to the Events team at Mansfield Shire for everything they did to help make this event a success.
"We simply could not have run this event without the community, and the nearly 50 volunteers who gave their time, energy and good humour to make the inaugural Mansfield Readers and Writers Festival a huge success."
