A diverse Winterwords program over five days with appeal to different groups across the community set the scene for another great festival rated a success by organisers.
Winterwords president and creative director Janet Tweedie said interactive workshops and discussions were well received.
Among new sessions introduced this year for Winterwords lovers such as Breakfastwords – a gathering at Beechworth Bakery for reading and sharing stories and Artchat held in the Soldiers' Memorial Hall drew great feedback from participants.
Another included the workshop by Roxanne Bodsworth – Feministwords – a feminist reconstruction of mythological words.
Sessions such as Collagewords by Donna Caffrey had been a big hit with participants creating word-driven collage artwork as well.
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“They gave us great feedback about the enjoyable session too,” Ms Tweedie said.
Among a huge variety of sessions, the sold-out singing workshop by Leanne Murphy and the Yackandandah SongShed Choir performance drew more than 60 people to the Quercus Beechworth Oregon Hall.
Ms Tweedie said Geraldine Quinn’s performance ‘The Passion of St Nicholas' as a headline act had been amazing.
“It was a really different and dynamic show, and her well-attended and interesting workshop ‘Adapting a True Story’ the next day kicked off some very interesting discussions,” she said.
“Melbourne based poets TT.O and Sandy Caldow’s poetry reading was a warm, intimate, and fascinating session as well.”
Local award-winning crime fiction writer Margaret Hickey in conversation with crime fiction writer for young adults (YA) Troy Hunter delved into the world of crime fiction writing , the ongoing YA appeal and differences in writing for young and older adults.
Both Mr Hunter and Ms Hickey delivered insights into their latest crime fiction novels.
Ms Tweedie said many artists and community members had enjoyed chatting and imbibing a glass or two at the official launch night held last Friday evening in the Memorial Hall’s supper room.
“They also had a chance to view artwork from both Artwords and Winternudes,” she said.
Ms Tweedie said the event in its fifth year remains a valuable one for the community.
“It brings presenters and performers to town who would never normally come to Beechworth and also gives a space for local creatives to showcase their talent and knowledge,” she said.
“We are now one of the few organisations that hold an art exhibition and the only organisation that provides this type of festival.
“We are also one of the few remaining festivals in town and the only one in winter.”
Ms Tweedie said this year's event as well as in previous years could not have happened without the hard work of the committee, presenters and performers, and volunteers.
“The festival requires hours and hours of volunteer time over a nine to ten month period to bring five days of events to Beechworth,” she said.
“All involved very much appreciate the support and great feedback that we get from attendees.”
