Frequently Asked Questions

Common needs to knows and ask us anythings!

Jump to sections: 
General
Accessibility
Ticketing
Program
Venues
Volunteering
Artists & Authors

General

What are the dates of the Words in Winter 2026 Festival?

The Words in Winter 2026 Festival is scheduled to take place from Wednesday 26 August to Sunday 30 August, 2026. This annual event promises a lineup of literary activities, workshops, and discussions, offering something for everyone who loves the written word. Mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring celebration of literature and creativity.

Where can I find the full festival program?

The 2026 festival program will be available starting in early July. Stay tuned for updates and make sure to check back for the full schedule of events and activities!

How can I stay updated on festival news and changes?

To stay updated on festival news and changes, subscribe to our e-newsletter through our website. Make sure to check your email regularly for updates. Additionally, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest announcements and information.

What is the 2026 festival theme?

The theme for the 2026 festival is "Curiouser and Curiouser." This theme encourages attendees to delve into a world of exploration and wonder, sparking curiosity and playful questioning about the world around us. It invites everyone to embrace their inner explorer and engage with the festival's offerings in a way that is both imaginative and thought-provoking.

Accessibility

Which venues are wheelchair accessible?

For those seeking wheelchair-accessible venues, several options are available. Locations with both accessible entry and toilets include the Town Hall, The Palais, Daylesford Library, Daylesford Cinema, and the Senior Citizens Centre. Additionally, venues such as the Daylesford Hotel, Yandoit Cultural Centre, and Radius Art offer accessible entry, though they do not have accessible toilets.

What accessibility measures are in place?

All venues are equipped with HEPA air purifiers, hand sanitizers, and face masks. Volunteers are available to assist with seating arrangements, provide access to quiet spaces, and address other specific needs. Additionally, several events offer Auslan interpretation, with details available on the event ticketing page.

What if I have specific access needs?

If you have specific access needs, please contact us at hello@wordsinwinter.com ahead of time. On the day of the event, you can approach any volunteer or visit the Festival Hub for assistance. We are committed to ensuring that all attendees have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Ticketing

What ticketing platform does the festival use?

The festival partners with Humanitix for its ticketing services. Humanitix is renowned for its user-friendly platform and commitment to social causes, making it an ideal choice for our event. By choosing Humanitix, attendees can enjoy a seamless ticket purchasing experience while supporting charitable initiatives.

Can I get a refund on my ticket?

If you need a refund for your ticket, please consult Humanitix's refund policy for detailed information. For any festival ticketing inquiries or support during the festival weekend, you can visit the Festival Hub. Alternatively, feel free to reach out via email at hello@wordsinwinter.com for assistance.

Do I need a Humanitix account to book tickets?

Purchasing Tickets: Buying tickets on Humanitix is straightforward and doesn't require an account. Just enter your name, email, and mobile number during checkout to receive your tickets.

‍

Ticket Delivery: Once purchased, your digital tickets and a PDF receipt will be sent to your email within minutes.

‍

Accessing Tickets: You can access your tickets anytime through the confirmation email or save them to your Apple, Google, or Samsung Wallet.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes, you can buy tickets at the door, but availability is not guaranteed. Tickets are sold at the Festival Hub, located at the Senior Citizens Centre, from 9:30am to 4pm, Friday through Sunday. For convenience, you can also purchase tickets on our website.

What payment methods are accepted for door sales?

For door sales, we accept both cash and card payments.

Program

What types of events are in the festival?

The festival offers a diverse range of events, including author conversations, interactive workshops, and engaging panel discussions. Families can enjoy kids' programs, while poetry enthusiasts can attend readings and performances. Film screenings and silent reading sessions provide unique experiences, and various community events foster connection. Both free and ticketed options are available, ensuring there's something for everyone.

What are "Around the Town" events?

Around the Town events offer free, spontaneous, and creative experiences within the community leading up to and during the festival. These events are designed to engage and inspire participants, providing unique opportunities to explore and enjoy the local culture and atmosphere.

Can I bring my children to festival events?

Yes, you can bring your children to festival events. There are dedicated kids' programs available at the Senior Citizens space as well as storytime events at the Daylesford Library. However, please note that some adult events may have specific age recommendations, so it's best to check the event details beforehand.

Can I propose an event for the festival?

Expressions of interest for the 2026 festival are closed. Sign up to our mailing list to get notifications about when expressions of interest open for our 2027 festival.

‍

Venues

What are the main festival venues for 2026?

Begin your festival journey at the Daylesford Town Hall, our central hub for the event. From there, you can explore a variety of other exciting venues. In 2026, these venues include Paradise Bookshop, The Palais, Radius Art, Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford Library, Yandoit Cultural Centre, Daylesford Apiohecary, Dillworth & Allain and the newly opened Phoenix Cinema. For more detailed information, please visit our Venues page.

Is there WiFi at venues?

Yes, WiFi is available at several venues for festival guests. You can connect to the internet at Paradise Bookshop, Daylesford Library, and Radius Art. Generally, there is good 5G coverage across the town. However, Vodafone coverage is very poor.

Is there parking near venues?

For parking information, please refer to the specific details provided for each venue. This will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding parking availability and options nearby.

‍

On-street parking is available near all venues, with some disabled car parking near Daylesford Town Hall and Daylesford Library.

Where is the Festival Hub?

The Festival Hub is located at the Senior Citizens Centre, just behind the Daylesford Town Hall. This hub is the central spot for gathering information, purchasing tickets, and managing lost property. It also serves as the check-in point for volunteers and artists.

‍

Additionally, the hub offers a Community Book Swap and hosts the Curious Connections exhibition, featuring works by students and U3A writers. Children can participate in various workshops held here.

‍

The Festival Hub is open Friday from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Volunteering

What are the main tasks of a volunteer?

Event setup/pack-down, attendee check-in, ticket scanning (Humanitix app), selling tickets at the door, counting audience numbers, collecting feedback, directing attendees, and reporting incidents.

How do I volunteer?

Please fill in this form and our volunteer coordinator Donna will be in touch soon.

Who is the volunteer coordinator?

Donna Livermore - volunteers@wordsinwinter.com

What should I bring to my volunteer shift?

Comfortable clothing and shoes, water bottle, snacks, a book, and a positive attitude. Do not bring valuables, alcohol, or illegal substances.

Do I need to download an app as a volunteer?

Yes – if you are checking in attendees or selling tickets you will need to download Humanitix for Hosts (iOS or Android). Login details will be provided by the volunteer coordinator.

What if I feel sick on the day of my shift?

Do not attend. Masks, sanitiser, and HEPA filters are available, but staying home if unwell is essential. Please contact volunteer coordinator, Donna Livermore - volunteers@wordsinwinter.com

Artists and Authors

Are there administrative fees for event presenters?

Yes, administrative fees apply to event presenters. For ticketed events or workshops, the fee is $45. If the event is free or requires a gold coin donation, the fee is $25. These fees must be paid upon acceptance of your offer.

Can I attend events for free as an artist or volunteer?

Yes, artists and volunteers are welcome to attend any daytime author conversation at no cost. Simply present your badge at the entrance. No prior booking is necessary.

What support does the festival offer to artists and authors?

The festival provides a comprehensive range of support for artists and authors. This includes featuring them in the printed program and on the website, ensuring media coverage, and offering volunteer assistance. Additionally, the festival manages ticketing and provides accommodation for authors traveling over 50 kilometers. For those traveling beyond 50 kilometers from Daylesford/Hepburn, a small travel stipend ia aslo available.

Do I receive a fee for appearing?

As a published author participating in curated Conversations, you will receive a small fee for your involvement. If you are presenting at a ticketed event or workshop, you have the opportunity to retain the ticket income, which will be reconciled within two weeks. For events that are free or operate on a gold coin donation basis, there is no fee provided, but you are welcome to keep any donations collected on the day.

How do book sales work?

Paradise Bookshop manages trade-published authors and organises event stock for the festival. Self-published authors, however, have a different process. They must bring their own books and handle their sales transactions, with PayID recommended for ease and security. A pop-up Paradise Bookshop will be available at the Town Hall throughout the festival weekend.

What should I bring to my event or workshop?

When attending your event or workshop, it's essential to bring a few key items to ensure a smooth experience. Make sure to pack your laptop and charger, as these will be crucial for any presentations or note-taking. An HDMI cable can be useful if you need to connect to a projector or external display. If you're selling books or other items, don't forget to bring them along, as well as a reliable method for accepting payments, such as PayID. While water will be available at the venue, you might prefer to bring your own bottle for convenience.

When and where do I check in as an artist?

The Festival Hub, located at the Senior Citizens Centre, is open for artist check-in on Friday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is recommended to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled event. If you plan to arrive outside these hours, please email us in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

How do I invoice the festival for my fee or stipend?

To invoice the festival for your fee or stipend, please make the invoice payable to "Words in Winter Festival" within two weeks of festival completion and ensure your banking details are included. Payments will be processed within two weeks of receiving your invoice.