This hugely popular feature of the local program sees book lovers reading the same book in the lead-up to the Festival weekend. Read the book then attend the event where a panel discusses the book selected for each year.
For 2025, the Great Festival Read is Purple Threads by Dr Jeanine Leane.
The panel conversation will be between women leaders in our community. This session is followed by an in-conversation session with the author.
Purple Threads by Jeanine Leane is an engaging, moving and often funny yarn about growing up in the home of two Aunties running a sheep farm in rural Gundagai. Based on Jeanine Leane’s own childhood, these stories offer a snapshot of a unique Australian upbringing.
Dr Jeanine Leane is a Wiradjuri writer, poet, essayist and critic from south-west NSW.
She was the recipient of the David Unaipon Award for her first novel Purple Threads; and her latest book, the poetry collection Gawimarra: Gathering, recently won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Prize for Poetry.
Event and Ticket Details
BMEC Members
Per Session $8
Day Pass $40
Festival Pass (Box Office purchase only) $120
Non-Members*
Per Session $10
Day Pass $50
Festival Pass (Box Office purchase only) $150
* A $3 transaction fee applies, BMEC Members do not pay a transaction fee
