Going West comes back to Titirangi for 2018

The annual Going West Writers Festival 2018­ is back with a range of arts and literary events across West Auckland from 1^st to the 16^th of September.

The showpiece event is the 23rd Going West Books & Writers Weekend which starts at 7 pm on Friday the 14^th September running through to Sunday 16^th September.

The unique and quintessentially West Auckland Books & Writers weekend is back at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall after 2017’s sojourn to council chambers at Waitakere Central, due to a roof-fire disrupting plans at a late stage of planning last year.

Several events coming under the Going West umbrella are spread across the region between the 1^st and 16^th September. Details on these multimedia events with pricing (some events are free) are on the festival website.

The Writers Weekend itself features an eclectic selection of leading NZ authors, poets, playwrights and musicians in this 23^rd iteration of the event founded by West Auckland resident and former bookshop owner, Murray Gray.

The Weekend features authors in conversation with readings, panel discussions and the popular poetry slam. It is a unique opportunity for visitors to informally mix and mingle with authors, artists and like-minded people.  

The weekend programme commences on Friday 14^th September with a mihi (welcome) followed by 2018 Curnow Reader and poet, Serie Barford. The keynote Sir Graeme Douglas address will be given this year by award-winning novelist, Paula Morris.

Following a supper break, Tū, a collaboration between singer/songwriter Moana Maniapoto  and electronic musician Paddy Free will perform, set against a video backdrop by film-maker Toby Mills.

Saturday’s schedule features an influential group of writers including Dame Fiona Kidman in conversation with Karyn Hay, joined later by Lizzie Marvelly, Sandra Coney and Golriz Ghahraman facilitated by Carol Hirschfield.

Further guests include Russell Brown, Toby Manhire and Charlotte Grimshaw. A full list of sessions, speakers and events is here: https://www.goingwestfest.co.nz/.

Opening night tickets are $30 and day passes include the full 8 sessions per day, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Friday opening night ticket pricing. $30 ($25 concession).

Saturday ticket pricing and programme. $150 ($135 concession). Earlybird if booked by 3^rd August: $139 (concession $120).

Sunday day pass $150. Earlybird booking available. Sessions can be booked individually also for around $18.

Full ticket pricing and timetable at iTicket website.