Lovers of language lap up

Broome’s cohort of language

lovers, readers and storytellers devoured a mammoth slice of literary feasts when Corrugated Lines: A Festival of Words returned to the town on the weekend.

After an unforgettable debut last year, organisers of the festival did not disappoint as they delivered a second helping of fantastic events to engage people of all ages.

The three-day grassroots festival, run entirely by volunteers, was presented by Backroom Press and Magabala Books in collaboration with other local organisations.

The event was established to engage readers and writers.

This year the town welcomed an exciting line-up of acclaimed authors, illustrators and storytellers, including Robert Drewe, Ron Elliott, Mark Greenwood, Vivienne Glance, Frane Lessac, Sean Gorman, Robert Schofield, Brenton McKenna and The West Australian’s Stephen Scourfield and William Yeoman, who enthralled, entertained and inspired their audience.

The community was spoilt for choice in the number of community events on offer, including a hands-on workshop for budding illustrators presented by Frane Lessac, a poetry workshop by Cathy Borthwick, an engaging self-publishing workshop by Julie Ann Harper, a two-hour writing workshop by Backroom Press and the return of the spoken word night Word of Mouth.

Other highlights included a special performance from Scourfield and Yeoman who performed Scourfield’s latest book — As the River Runs — through words and music.

Local performer Dan Lee entertained crowds with his monologues and anecdotes, Maxine Charlie launched her book Guwayi the Bar-Tailed Godwit, and locals were given unique insight into the Afghan Women’s Writing Project.

Broome students shared in the literary fun with a special Story Go Round event and a Tall Tales Drama Workshop hosted by St Mary’s College, while crowds were treated to an entertaining read aloud experience as part of the Short Black and Read event.

Backroom Press chairwoman Sudha Coutinho said this year’s festival had been a tremendous success.

“I think it was incredibly successful in the sense that we had so many varied events across the whole weekend,” she said.

“There was a weekend buzz… Everyone who organised the event was really happy.

“It’s about the community pulling together and doing something that they want to see in the community.”

Ms Coutinho said organisers had received great feedback, and talks had already begun to plan next year’s festival.