Published on Tuesday, 6 October 2020 at 4:09:59 PM
It was a big turnout at the Geraldton Regional Library on Thursday night as people came from far and wide to attend the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival 2020 (Big Sky) opening night.
Festival guest authors and attendees mingled amongst live music and light refreshments, and celebrated the inaugural Short Story Prize, which was awarded to Marc Christoffersen for his story Dark Waters.
Big Sky continued over the weekend with author meet and greets, language sessions, workshops, Poetry on the Green and thoughtful discussions around the world of storytelling.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated everyone involved.
“The Geraldton Regional Library team continue to raise the bar with Big Sky and should be extremely proud of this year’s jam-packed event,” he said.
“Most sessions were either sold out or close to, which showcases the quality content that Big Sky is brimming with.
“Congratulations to winner of the Short Story Prize Marc Christoffersen as well as the runner-up Lorraine Lambert. You’ve made your mark on Geraldton’s literary scene.”
Created to encourage and enthuse writers, the Short Story Prize celebrates local writers and has a cash prize of $500, VIP Festival Pass as well as a spot for on the Library’s website for visitors to enjoy a quick read.
Lorraine Lambert was awarded the runner-up, with highly commended honours going to Erin Middleton, Monica Puccetti, Maria Flavel, Robina Haines and James McKinnon Byers.
Big Sky sessions continued at the Geraldton Universities Centre over the weekend, including the Keynote Address which was delivered by researcher and highly awarded author Stephen Kinnane.
A Language Luncheon was also held at Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation and Poetry Evening at Greenough Museum and Gardens.
Big Sky also included art with Geraldton Regional Art Gallery launching Arthur Boyd: Landscape of the Soul exhibition on Friday.
The Geraldton Regional Library would like to thank everyone involved in this year’s Big Sky as well as the guests who travelled from all over the state and region to attend.
Relive the event by viewing the photos here.
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