Marlborough Book Festival 2024: A Decade Celebrated with Heartfelt Stories

The Marlborough Book Festival marked its 10th anniversary this year with a vibrant four-day event in late July.

Seventeen authors took part in entertaining, thought-provoking and inspirational conversations with talented interviewers in front of curious audiences across the weekend and several hundred Marlborough school children heard from writers talking about their work.

Reflecting on 2024 at the Annual General Meeting on 17 December, Trustee Sonia O’Regan said this year’s festival held true to the charitable trust’s values of hospitality, connection, and celebration of creative excellence. She extended heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the event’s success, from the authors, session chairs and ticket buyers to the festival’s dedicated team and generous sponsors and funders.

“We once again received warm feedback from both our audience and authors, particularly about hospitality,” said Sonia. “This aspect has become an open secret about the festival, and while we now lack the element of surprise, we’ll always place priority on treating writers as honoured guests. It’s our way of thanking them for the work they do.”

The festival continues to thrive with beautiful support from local sponsors, Astrolabe, Cloudy Bay, Dog Point Vineyard, Gascoigne Wicks Lawyers, Godfrey Cheathem Arts Residency, Jim Tannock, Lawson’s Dry Hills, McKendry Motors, Paper Plus Blenheim. As well as funding from the Marlborough District Council, Rātā and Pelorus Trust.

“The support of our sponsors helps to create the unique atmosphere of this festival,” she said.

New Initiatives and Highlights

In a new addition this year, the festival ran a sold-out poetry session at Small Town Winery, which proved to be an atmospheric and memorable venue. The team also highlighted the success of sessions at Te Kahu o Waipuna, made possible with the enthusiastic support of the library staff.

Another key success was the continued strength of school visits, which have become an integral part of the festival. These sessions brought authors into classrooms to inspire young readers and writers.

Making new relationships with other organisations and groups in the community had also enriched the event, Sonia said. “We aim to create a writers' event that engages a wide and diverse audience, reflecting the richness of our Marlborough community and will continue to keep this goal front of mind.”

The success of the event has been built on the support and work of volunteers over the years. Sonia gave special recognition to the team: “To the whole committee – you rock! I hope you get as much joy from the festival as you give."

Looking Ahead

As 2025 approaches, the future of New Zealand literature looks bright.

“There is so much talent in Aotearoa New Zealand with newly published writers joining established writers who I hope we can one day host in Marlborough. As we look ahead to 2025, there is no shortage of great books to read and exciting, literary talent to showcase,” Sonia reflected.

Seasons greetings from the Marlborough Book Festival team!