Palin to add star power to writers’ festival

Internationally-acclaimed travel guide, broadcaster and comedian Michael Palin is coming to Margaret River for June’s Readers and Writers Festival.

The announcement about Palin was made this week as incoming festival director Tanya Perdue confirmed her intention to ramp up the appeal of the ninth annual festival.

Palin made a name for himself in famous comedy troupe Monty Python and went on to become synonymous with television travel guides, with numerous books and TV shows dedicated to his travels.

Though he has visited WA before, it is anticipated Palin will attend with media in tow for the festival, which kicks off on June 2.

Ms Perdue said Palin’s attendance meant attendees should get their tickets fast.

“We truly have an incredibly strong and diverse line-up of writers coming to Margaret River for this year’s festival,” she said.

“The addition of Michael Palin to an already impressive line-up of authors, journalists, literary icons and rising stars means the festival will be bigger and better than ever before.”

Also in the line-up is veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien, renowned Australian author Robert Drewe, feminist author Clementine Ford and indigenous writer Bunurong from Tasmania.

The Times understands a three-year grant from the State Government awarded last year was specifically to attract an international star of Palin’s calibre, with tourism sources saying it was expected to add to the Margaret River region’s overall public relations.

Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association chief executive Pip Close said Palin’s visit was “fantastic” news.

“Michael Palin is internationally acclaimed and has a very broad appeal, so his attendance at the festival will be a real drawcard for visitors,” she said.

For tickets and more details of the program, visit www.mrrwfestival.com.

The festival runs from June 2 to 4 and includes author talks, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, book signings, free lunch time talks and free activities for children on the weekend in the festival’s storytelling tent.