Even though Brisbane Writers Festival is in its 59th year, the event is celebrating a lot of firsts this time around. It’s the first time it’s in May, the first time it’s hybrid (there’s both physical and online events) and it’s the first time for two new events – First Word and Last Word, which invites a notable Indigenous artist to deliver the opening and closing words of the festival, and the Author/Editor Showcase, which delves into the professional relationship from ideation to publication. The entertaining and enlightening program will also feature a riverside Mother’s Day High Tea with bestselling author Kate Morton at Customs House, a breathtaking live reading of poetry and spoken word at the All I Have is a Voice Showcase, and a screening of the film 2040 followed by a Q&A session with documentary filmmaker Damon Gameau.

Eager to dive right in? You’re in luck because the wordsmiths behind the festival have just dropped the full program, including a treasure chest of digital events that are guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing. Virtual event highlights include a discussion with seasoned war reporter Christina Lamb, a workshop on how to craft stories for little ones with Zanni Louise and a conversation about community and activism with Indigenous authors Thomas Mayor and Megan Davis. Curious minds can continue to fill their noggin with new knowledge at Carly Findlay’s panel discussion on Growing Up Disabled as well as through chats with Phosphorescence author Julia Baird and Burnt Sugar writer Avni Doshi.

This is just a small taste of the 100 writers, thinkers and opinion makers that will be appearing at the Brisbane Writers Festival – to peep the entire program and score tickets, head to the BWF website.