Wondering how Words on the Waves started and where it’s going? Find out with festival director, Angela Bennetts.
How and why did the festival originally start?
Words on the Waves was created in 2021 by a committee of volunteers, who recognised that the Central Coast was a community of readers – with bustling libraries and thriving bookshops. There was nothing else like this happening at the time and so we pooled our resources, enthusiasm and big dreams to deliver the first ever writers’ festival in the region! The event happened in between lockdowns so there was a special magic to it – for some writers, that was the only writers’ festival they got to attend that year. The support was phenomenal and so we knew we had the community’s support to keep growing.
How has the festival grown or changed over the years?
The growth has been exponential. We’ve grown from four venues in 2021 to 14 in 2024, from 1635 attendances to 5082, and from 47 authors to 100. Each year we’ve tried to add something new, but the ultimate mission of the festival remains the same: to deliver an immersive annual festival of stories, ideas and connection, set against the scenic Central Coast, and to enrich the cultural landscape of the region year-round.
What are some of the most memorable moments or standout sessions from past festivals or events?
There are so many.
Craig Silvey
The deeply felt, deeply respectful and incredibly moving conversation between Craig Silvey and Kaya Wilson, at Naughty Noodle Fun Haus in 2023. In fact, any of our conversation events at Naughty Noodle have been special, with Richard Fidler in 2021, Hannah Kent in 2022, then Craig and Indira Naidoo in 2024. The audiences were always so riveted, you could hear a pin drop.
Other highlights include Nardi Simpson concluding our first ever festival Saturday with a magical song on the ukulele as the sun set. Every single Ripples Kids & Schools program when you see kids eyes light up, realising they too can write like a real, published writer. Our first Late Night Lit at Bar Toto – now a much-loved evening of poetry and literary readings – when Omar Musa electrified with songs, anecdotes and reading. Chills. Last year, when we launched our fun-loving festival marquee The Dip and despite the torrential downpours, it was cosy and full of ideas and laughs.
Every year, I think is the best year… until the next year rolls around!
The Dip marquee
What challenges has the festival faced over the years, and how has it adapted?
Challenges are numerous but not insurmountable. Every event planner will know that curveballs are inevitably thrown – but as long as you are prepared and remain optimistic, it can still be special on the day.
What is the theme or focus of this year’s festival? And How did You Choose it?
Our theme is ‘burning bright.’ We wanted something optimistic and soul-warming, after what has felt like a pretty brutal year.
How were authors and speakers selected for the festival? And how do you ensure you get a range of views and experiences?
This is a very long and involved process that commences in September the year before the festival. The programming team meets with each publisher to get a run-down on upcoming releases and author tours. We then read, read, and read some more. Based on what we believe will be well-received by our festival community, we start sending out invites to authors. Once we receive some ‘yes thank yous’ from invited authors, we then piece together the giant puzzle that is the festival program. Diversity, vibrancy and urgency are at the heart of our decision-making process. We want our festival to be representative, inclusive, and pulse with life and ideas.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s festival?
- Inaugural Ebb & Flow Poetry Slam – we’ve been dreaming about introducing slam poetry for years, and it’s finally happening thanks to committee member Will Small!
- Our Opening Address, back at The Art House Wyong which is such a beautiful venue the Central Coast is lucky to have
- I am now a spy and espionage tragic, so I am looking forward to Spy Time with Tim Ayliffe, Jack Beaumont and Sam Guthrie Sunday afternoon at Ocean Beach SLSC
- And, the subsequent sessions with Rebecca Huntley on her journey with MDMA therapy and then Rosie Waterland talking about ‘broken brains’ are very much speaking to my stage of life – perfect for local book clubs.
What is your vision for future festivals?
Our vision is to become one of Australia’s leading regional literary festivals, known for its vibrant and diverse program as well as its unique setting.
How can someone get involved next year — as a volunteer, sponsor, or speaker?
We welcome submissions from authors from around September of the year before ethe event. Volunteer callouts are advertised via our social media. And we would love to hear from sponsors and partners – please email us on program@wordsonthewaves.com.au
