Three big days of events are planned from Friday to Sunday including author talks by 14 separate and varying authors, and writing workshops for adults and children.

On the Sunday, there will be a gourmet brunch, poetry readings, didgeridoo playing and workshop, a historical tour of Jugiong, artisan stalls and music. 

Already hosts of a successful biennial Art Exhibition, Jugiong locals wanted to add another bow to their string. 

A rich, cultural village, the Writers’ Festival seemed a natural fit for Jugiong. 

Writers’ Festival chairperson Joy Coggan said the event started with an idea to promote reading and writing in the country. 

The woman behind pop-up stall Jugiong Books, Mrs Coggan got to know many local authors when they visited to sell their books. 

She saw an opportunity to bring them all, and other like-minded lovers of literature together and the Jugiong Writers’ Festival was born. 

Famously Miles Franklin, Henry Lawson and Banjo Patterson all wrote about the picturesque Murrumbidgee Valley in which Jugiong lies and it is today home to numerous authors, scriptwriters and artists, absorbing the natural beauty and serenity of the region.

“There is so much talent in our area, six published writers, there must be something in the water!” Mrs Coggan said. 

As well as a host of authors and workshop leaders, festival organisers are pleased to have freelance book editor Nicola O’Shea on board from Sydney to provide advice to local budding authors. 

With so much happening two venues, the Jugiong Main Hall and the  South West Fuels Marquee will run concurrently on Saturday.

The Hon Tim Fischer AC, author of seven books since retiring from politics in 2001, will officially open the festival on Saturday at 11am. 

Come Sunday, organisers say the relaxed format of food, local wine and entertainment will be “a day to kick back and unwind alongside the river”.

Spaces for talks and workshops are limited so please book via the website jugiongwritersfestival.com. 

The website also contains biographies on each of the authors speaking and timetable information. Certainly something for everyone.