The National Young Writers’ Festival (NYWF) is turning Sweet Sixteen, but asks only for the gift of your presence to celebrate.

And if you’re of a similar age, it’s in your interest to oblige because the festival has been the launch-pad for Aussie writing talent since the midriff days of ’98. With a free program, NYWF is the perfect platform to be inspired, entertained, and to jealously stalk the overachievers three years your junior. NYWF will host over 100 artists across 75 events in Newcastle from October 3-6. Catch movers and shakers Steph Harmon (BRAG’s ex-Editor, yo!), Alice Bell, Anna Krien, Benjamin Law, Romy Ash, Jill Stark, Adam Liaw, Nadia Saccardo, Tom Ballard, Tom Tilley and many more.

Get the full low-down at National Young Writers’ Festival.