WORD Christchurch Festival 2026 program announced
WORD Christchurch Festival has announced its program for this year’s event, running from 1 to 6 September 2026. The festival will feature more than 100 writers, thinkers and performers in venues across Ōtautahi Christchurch, “presenting the books and big ideas that are shaping conversations right now”.
Festival guests include novelists Ingrid Horrocks, Jann Medlicott, Shehan Karunatilaka, Charlotte Grimshaw and Tina Makereti (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangatahi-Matakore, Pākehā); Noelle McCarthy, Sally Wenley, Pax Assadi and Lucy Hone, who will discuss their new memoirs; Breton Dukes, Lawrence Patchett, Joseph Trinidad and John Summers, who will talk about masculinity; history writers Julia Bradshaw and Hazel Phillips; and Australian writer Nam Le.
Sessions include “Cocktails & Tarot” with Claire Mabey; storytelling session “Risky Women”; “Cabinet of Curiosities”, where guests see, touch and hear about some of Ōtautahi Christchurch’s buried secret objects; “Letters Out Loud”, where historical private correspondence is brought to life; “Lost the Plot” quiz night; spoken word and improvised sound party “Sonic Tonic”; and 3 special events, including a walking tour, in partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Events include a wide range of free and pay-what-you-wish sessions.
As part of the inaugural Aotearoa NZ Children’s Book Week, kids’ events include “Books Come Alive” in Rolleston and a “Reading Rave” at Tūranga; “Youth Poetry Slam”; and “Rangatahi Boogie”, featuring singing storytellers Cubbin Theatre.
Program director Kiran Dass said, “Festivals create ripples that extend far beyond the events themselves, bringing people together to discover new voices, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the power of books and storytelling.”
Dass added, “At WORD, you’ll encounter bold new thinking from many of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most acclaimed writers and thinkers – sometimes in ways you won’t expect. Whether you’re inspired, surprised, moved or delighted, every event offers the chance to experience something that stays with you long after you’ve left the room.”
The full program is available on the festival website.
Category: Festivals Local news
