Those that attended the 2019 Writers and Readers festival from 23rd to the 27th of October 2019, had the privilege of experiencing one of Bali’s biggest events held in Ubud. Ubud’s Readers & Writers Festival had 180 authors, artists, activists, and journalists who took center stage in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Not to name drop but, Irvine Welsh from Trainspotting’, hip-hop artist Akala and the award-winning writer, poet and playwright, Lemn Sissay; from the US there was feminist and New York Times opinion writer Lindy West, and Pulitzer Prize finalist, author and journalist Megan K. Stack. Click here for a complete list of speakers, and click here for the Main Program events.
Opening Day at Ubud’s Writers and Readers Festival
The opening of the event started with a 4 pm workshop,” Writing for the healing”, followed by a film screening, a gala opening, and then a writer’s dinner party with live music, arts, and a “Women of Words Poetry Slam”. The next morning the doors opened earlier at 8 am where writers and thinkers started their day right with a nutritious Indonesian breakfast at one location and a cooking class at another location followed by a welcoming festival before the day started.
There were enough activities to keep everyone busy from sunup to sundown. Standup comedy, cinema, live music concerts, and parties were also part of the lineup. Special children and youth programs held everything from “Building your own Superhero” to a discussion on karma and kindness, keeping children and young adults engaged. A rundown of the events is here.
In case you wanted to take a break you could visit nearby art and history museums, Monkey Forest, or go boutique shopping up and down Ubud’s busy roads. Or you could talk any of the writers or artist while having a Guinness beer and satay.
The last day of the festival started with early morning yoga at 7 am, an herb walk at 8 am, events up to 9 pm and a final farewell night party and special event, “Stories by The Sea”‘.
Until Next Time in 2020
An international event that provides intimate workshops, not only deep discussion among writers but also connecting writers with their readers. Great theme with a ton of inspirations for all attendees. The event is very professional as well, with a precise schedule on each of every schedule. There were occasions that you could not see every event or discussion you wanted due to both of them going on simultaneously. Definitely a crowd-pleaser, you will see many of the same faces year after year.
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