Newcastle Writers Festival Announces Encore Event Amid Record Demand
The Newcastle Writers Festival has responded to overwhelming public interest by adding a second event featuring author Randa Abdel-Fattah. The decision comes after tickets for her initial appearance sold out within hours of the 2026 program's release last week.
Controversial Figure Draws Unprecedented Crowds
Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, whose exclusion from Adelaide Writers' Week in January sparked national controversy and ultimately led to that festival's collapse, has become the centrepiece of Newcastle's literary program. Festival director Rosemarie Milsom confirmed the additional Sunday, March 29 session would follow the same format as the original Saturday event, focusing on Abdel-Fattah's new book Discipline.
The novel explores themes of racism, institutional power and injustice through the story of a Muslim journalist and academic navigating Sydney's social landscape in 2021, set against the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Abdel-Fattah was originally scheduled to discuss her work with Queerstories director Maeve Marsden.
Festival Leadership Defends Programming Decision
Ms Milsom has consistently defended the festival's decision to include Abdel-Fattah, telling the Newcastle Herald that artists should be able to speak about their work without censorship. "We believe artists should be able to speak about their work," she stated, emphasising that an invitation to participate does not constitute endorsement of any artist's personal views.
The festival director clarified that Abdel-Fattah was invited based on her literary merit rather than her political statements, adding she would only exclude a writer if there were legal grounds to do so. "It is always heartening to know that our audience is engaging with the program," Milsom remarked regarding the record ticket sales.
Political Reactions and Community Response
The programming choice has drawn mixed reactions from political figures. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the invitation as "crazy" but confirmed the state government would not intervene despite providing grant funding to the festival. Newcastle Liberal councillor Callum Pull expressed concern that the festival was "diving head-first into controversy" while maintaining his support for free speech principles.
Meanwhile, community support has been evident through both ticket purchases and public demonstrations. Protesters gathered outside City Hall on Monday evening, with speakers encouraging attendance at the festival. City of Newcastle Greens councillor Joel Pringle, who joined the demonstration, described Newcastle as "a proud city [that] stands up for what we believe in."
Broader Context of Literary and Social Debate
The festival's preparations occur against a backdrop of national discussions about free speech, artistic expression and political commentary. Abdel-Fattah has faced criticism for her outspoken views on Israel's actions in the Middle East conflict, with detractors accusing her of anti-Semitic statements - claims she has consistently denied.
The three-day festival, which begins on March 27, has reported unprecedented ticket demand despite public debate about its programming choices. The additional Abdel-Fattah event will be held at City Hall, reflecting the festival's commitment to accommodating community interest while navigating complex cultural conversations.
