Culinary icon and author Nigella Lawson will headline for the 2026 Tamar Valley Writers Festival, an event that showcases Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for literature, gastronomy and culture.
Running from October 15–19, 2026, the festival in Launceston, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the north of the island, features a curated programme of in-conversation events, panel discussions, writing workshops, readings, performances, book signings, audience Q&As, and community events.
Speaking of her upcoming appearance at the festival, Nigella Lawson said: “I’m hugely excited to be at The Tamar Valley Writers Festival this October. It’s always a pleasure to be discussing food and food writing with readers and answering your questions, and how glorious to be in beautiful Tasmania to do so!”
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark said: “The fact that global figures like Nigella Lawson continue to return to Tassie reflects the calibre of festivals and events increasingly calling our island home. She has inspired home cooks, food lovers and readers around the world for decades, and we’re delighted she’ll be sharing her passion for food, storytelling and conversation in a destination where all three are such an important part of who we are.”
Also taking place in October (22-25) is Great Eastern Wine Week. Stretching from St Helens to Orford along Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast Wine Trail, Great Eastern Wine Week is a four-day celebration of cool-climate wine, exceptional local produce and the people behind one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions.
Cellar doors, vineyards and coastal venues come alive with degustation dinners, long lunches, guided tastings, live music, workshops and exclusive food and wine experiences, all set against the backdrop of the east coast’s iconic beaches, bays and vineyards. Bringing together winemakers, producers, chefs and visitors from across the country, the festival offers a memorable way to experience the flavours, stories and landscapes that define Tasmania’s east coast.
A spokesperson for the vent said: “Great Eastern Wine Week isn’t about awards and accolades: it’s a cheery celebration of east-coast wine, food, culture.” For a full list Tasmania’s bumper calendar of spring festivals and events, visit discovertasmania.com.au.
