July 13th, 2026A legacy of words & a region-wide celebration
The Words in Winter name carries a unique resonance across the Central Highlands, representing a trio of distinct festivals.
While the Central Goldfields festival in Maryborough celebrates in May, the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs festival and the Trentham festival wait for the chill of August.
The shared roots of 2002
Words in Winter began in Daylesford in 2002, founded by local literary champions David, pictured, and Lorelle Hall. Conceived as a response to the introspective winter months, it aimed to transform the season into a celebration of ideas.
David Hall recalls: “Recognising the wealth of literary talent in the shire, we saw the opportunity for communities to work together productively. The result was the concept of a literary festival with space for writers and commentators to share their thoughts and work. Timed for midwinter to bring warmth to a dull period of the year.”
Inspired by this regional literary momentum, the Trentham community soon followed suit, embracing a joyful festival that captured the spirit of its distinct community.
Sylvia Johnson of the Trentham committee remembers those early days: “The first festival in 2004 was about celebrating words in a grassroots way – filling our bakeries, cafes and laneways with readings and discussions about words.
“Now 22 years later, the Trentham festival has become a much-loved celebration of language, stories, music and community. When winter settles in, it’s a chance for our community to leave their homes and gather together to experience a truly diverse program of events.”
Today, while the Daylesford and Trentham festivals both share the same DNA, the two festivals operate independently. Words in Winter Trentham is now a fully autonomous, self-funded association. Meanwhile, the Daylesford team continues to forge its own path, with locals making up 60 per cent of this year’s 35+ event program.
Words in Winter Daylesford festival producer Devon Taylor expresses it best: “These two festivals represent a shared regional legacy and a belief that the Central Highlands is a premier hub for the love of words and literature. And with the 25-year anniversary of the very first Words in Winter in 2027, we are getting excited to share this milestone – but first, this year’s program.”
This August, the banners will fly once again. Both the Daylesford and Trentham teams have launched their programs, and tickets are officially on sale.
Whether you are wandering through the historic venues of Daylesford or exploring the cosy nooks of Trentham, you are participating in a single, magnificent story that started 24 years ago – a story that proves winter in our region is anything but quiet.
The Local Publishing Group is a proud media partner with Words in Winter.
Words: Contributed | Image: Kyle Barnes & contributed
