Bendigo Writers Festival kicks off as writers flood in despite wild weather

And despite the wild weather delaying flights, writers have been arriving just in the nick of time according to festival director Rosemary Sorensen.

Ms Sorensen said the festival had sold a record number of passes this year, over 1000, and many more thousand individual tickets.

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She urged the curious but as-yet-uncommitted to come in from the cold, and enjoy the festival's buzz.

"It is a remarkable feeling in the street for this festival," Ms Sorensen said.

"Really there is nothing else like a festival. You just feel part of your community's excitement, and you are part of it because without the audience it doesn't happen.

"There's a sense of something very unusual that happens."

Philosopher AC Grayling's event on democracy, John Marsden's discussion of parenting and Julia Shaw on making evil, have been of particular interest, Ms Sorensen said.

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Quick Pick tickets are still available for many events, while some passes are available for Saturday and Sunday.

Manager of Capitol Venues and Events David Lloyd said he was looking forward to the bonhomie during what was one of his favourite events for the year.

"The beauty of a writers festival is you might start going down one pathway, and then you discover a bit of a gem, and then you go in another direction," Mr Lloyd said.

"It really highlights Bendigo and we continue to be seen as one of the best writers festivals in Australia."

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