Global culinary icon and author Nigella Lawson has been announced as the international headliner for the 2026 Tamar Valley Writers Festival, reinforcing Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for literature, gastronomy and culture.
Nigella leads a bumper festival program of acclaimed authors and literary figures, joining Shaun Micallef, Siang Lu, Hannah Kent, Karen Brooks and Tasmanian author Rebecca Armitage, whose debut novel ‘The Heir Apparent’ was propelled onto the global stage last year after being selected for Reese Witherspoon’s book club.
Nigella will appear in conversation with prominent Australian food writer and presenter Alice Zaslavsky before taking part in a book signing session.
Speaking of her upcoming appearance at the festival, Nigella Lawson said: “I’m hugely excited to be at The Tamar Valley Writers Festival this October. It’s always a pleasure to be discussing food and food writing with readers and answering your questions, and how glorious to be in beautiful Tasmania to do so!”
Tamar Valley Writers Festival co-presidents Georgie Todman and Lyndon Riggall said: “We are so excited that Nigella will be joining the line-up for the 2026 Tamar Valley Writers Festival. She will bring a rich, warm and nourishing presence to our festival as well as a wealth of experience as a journalist and food writer.
“Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and the Tamar Valley is renowned for its fresh produce, wines and restaurants. We wanted to celebrate all of those things while at the same time allowing our readers to savour the best authors and books on offer. For literary lovers and bibliophiles, books feed the soul in much the same way as food does, and we wanted to bring all of these experiences into one melting pot.
“We are proud of the program we are bringing to Launceston and the authors we have lined up for the 2026 festival – Feed the Soul.”
Running from 15–19 October 2026, the festival features a curated program of in-conversation events, panel discussions, writing workshops, readings, performances, book signings, audience Q&As, and community events.
Since launching in 2014, the Tamar Valley Writers Festival has grown into one of Australia’s leading regional literary festivals, bringing together celebrated authors, emerging writers, journalists, playwrights, poets and thinkers. Set against the backdrop of the Tamar Valley, the festival celebrates storytelling, ideas and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
With this year’s festival theme, ‘Feed the Soul’, and Tasmania home to both Launceston, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and Hobart, a UNESCO City of Literature, Nigella’s appearance is a fitting celebration of the island’s longstanding connection between food, storytelling and culture.
The Tamar Valley Writers Festival is one of many unmissable culinary, arts and cultural events taking place across Tasmania throughout spring. Other highlights include Launceston’s Junction Arts and agriCULTURED festivals, the East Coast’s Great Eastern Wine Week and Bicheno Food and Wine Festival, Deloraine’s Tasmanian Craft Fair, Sheffield’s International Mural Fest, the Huon Valley Studio Art Trail and more.
Literary lovers can also experience the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)’s newly opened library wing, home to founder David Walsh’s extraordinary private collection of rare books, maps and curiosities, alongside major works and installations by internationally acclaimed artists including Anselm Kiefer and Julian Charrière.
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark said:
“The Tamar Valley Writers Festival is another wonderful example of the experiences that continue to position Tasmania as one of Australia’s leading destinations for exceptional food and drink, culture and creativity. The fact that global figures like Nigella Lawson continue to return to Tassie reflects the calibre of festivals and events increasingly calling our island home.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Nigella back to Tasmania. She has inspired home cooks, food lovers and readers around the world for decades, and we’re delighted she’ll be sharing her passion for food, storytelling and conversation in a destination where all three are such an important part of who we are.
“Spring is one of Tasmania’s most vibrant seasons, with colour-filled regional festivals, exceptional local produce and spectacular natural landscapes coming together to create a truly memorable time to visit. From the Tamar Valley Writers Festival to the many food, wine, arts and cultural events taking place across the island, it really is a fantastic time to ‘come down for air’ and enjoy so many of the experiences that make spring in Tasmania so special.”
The Tamar Valley Writers Festival will be held at the River’s Edge building on the UTAS Inveresk campus and is supported by the City of Launceston and Events Tasmania. For more information or to book tickets, visit tamarvalleywritersfestival.com.au.
