Writers' festivals are experiencing unprecedented popularity, with record-breaking attendance in both Auckland and Sydney. Clarke Gayford, a New Zealand TV host, explores this phenomenon, noting that book reading, traditionally solitary, is now driving people to gather in large numbers to celebrate literature alongside authors.
Record attendance at writers' festivals
The recent Auckland writers' festival achieved its highest attendance ever in its 27-year history, with crowds up 15% from the previous year. Similarly, the Sydney writers' festival declared this year its most successful event in 29 years, with record ticket sales. These numbers indicate a significant cultural shift toward collective literary experiences.
Why are people turning to books?
Gayford suggests that the rise in book reading may be a reaction to the diminishing returns of online content, often described as "AI slop." He posits that readers might be seeking more meaningful engagement, moving beyond the endless scroll of short-form videos. The author's personal experience of rediscovering books during a holiday, where he chose a physical book over his phone, highlights this trend.
"What is it about book reading, traditionally a solitary pursuit, that seems to spur us to bravely navigate public transport and forgo sacred weeknights to come together and bask in the glow of a well-written tome, often alongside the author?" Gayford writes.
Book clubs and social gatherings
Book clubs have also seen a resurgence, often serving as social events. Gayford recounts a local book club's Christmas function that caused a midnight disturbance outside his home, illustrating how these gatherings can become lively communal affairs. He admits that while book clubs may seem like an excuse to drink wine, they foster a sense of community around reading.
A post-pandemic re-entry into socialisation
Gayford wonders if the rise in book festivals and clubs represents a timid re-entry into public socialisation after the COVID-19 pandemic kept people physically apart. He questions whether these events are stepping stones to larger gatherings, such as dance parties, or if they are a new form of collectivism in their own right.
"Maybe these bookfests are gateway gatherings to people hand-stapling a vinyl outfit together and sweating it out at 130bpm for six hours on a dark, jostling, twisted dancefloor to obscure German techno once more," he muses.
