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Literary gatherings are usually for bookworms, but one of Australia’s leading regional writers’ festivals is plating up something special this spring. Beloved British television host and food writer Nigella Lawson – aka THE domestic goddess – has just been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Tamar Valley Writers Festival in northern Tasmania.
Lawson will return to the Apple Isle for an exclusive in-conversation event with Australian food writer Alice Zaslavsky, followed by a book signing session.
“I’m hugely excited to be at the Tamar Valley Writers Festival this October,” Lawson shared. “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!”
Running from October 15 to 19, this year's theme, Feed the Soul, celebrates the rich connection between food, storytelling and culture. It’s a fitting focus for the biennial gathering, with Tasmania home to both Launceston, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and Hobart, a UNESCO City of Literature.
As always, the festival serves up a packed program of author chats, panel discussions, writing workshops, live readings and audience Q&As. Joining Lawson in the line-up are other respected literary figures, including Australian comedian, television presenter and debut novelist Shaun Micallef (De’Ath Takes a Holiday); Miles Franklin-winning author Siang Lu (Ghost Cities); bestselling historical novelist Hannah Kent (Always Home, Always Homesick); and fantasy writer Karen Brooks (The Extraordinary Florence Stoker). Local talent will also be proudly represented by Tasmanian writer Rebecca Armitage, whose debut novel, The Heir Apparent, made international waves last year as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection.
The Tamar Valley Writers Festival will be held at the River's Edge building on the UTAS Inveresk campus, located a 15-minute drive from Launceston or 2.5 hours from Hobart. You can explore the program and book tickets here, starting at $20 for a single session or $220 for the full weekend.