From Dublin to Glasgow, London to the English countryside, the voices that shaped Anglo and Celtic storytelling are once again echoing across Australia — not just on the page, but on stage and in conversation.
In 2026, two of the country’s biggest literary events — the Melbourne Writers Festival (7–10 May) and the Sydney Writers’ Festival (18–24 May) — are bringing together international and Australian authors, continuing a long tradition of literary exchange.
Melbourne’s festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary, features more than 150 writers across the city, with this year’s theme Visions & Revisions focused on the enduring power of storytelling. Among the Anglo and Celtic voices appearing are Cork-born crime writer Dervla McTiernan, whose bestselling novels carry forward a strong Irish storytelling tradition, alongside Edinburgh poet Michael Pedersen, and English-based novelist David Szalay.
In Sydney, the focus sharpens further. Under the 2026 theme Show Me the Truth, the Sydney Writers’ Festival welcomes Dublin writer Roddy Doyle, whose work — from The Commitments to Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha — captures Irish life with humour and precision. He is joined by Michael Pedersen and David Szalay in a program that continues to showcase the depth and range of storytelling from across Ireland, Scotland and England.
Across both cities, these festivals highlight a living literary tradition — one grounded in place, memory and voice — and one that continues to resonate strongly with Australian audiences.
More information
- Melbourne Writers Festival – https://mwf.com.au
- Sydney Writers’ Festival – https://www.swf.org.au
Anglo&Celtic 