Collins Booksellers Warrnambool is bringing a wonderful celebration of children's literature to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village!
Join us for the Festival of Stories at Flaggy, a fun-filled afternoon of storytelling, creativity and adventure for the whole family.
Meet celebrated children's authors, enjoy interactive storytime sessions, discover roaming book characters and take part in hands-on activities as the historic Village transforms into a world of stories and imagination.
From author talks and book signings to creative workshops, storytelling challenges and old-fashioned classroom experiences, there's something to delight every young reader!
Saturday 14 November | 12pm–4pm
What's happening?
- Meet the Authors – hear from popular children's authors Fiona Harris, Felice Arena, Olivia Coates and Neridah McMullin.
- Story Trail Challenge – explore the Village, solve clues, meet characters and complete activities to earn a $5 book voucher for each participating child aged 4+.
- Interactive Storytime & Workshops – enjoy hands-on creative activities and engaging storytelling sessions.
- Characters Come to Life – encounter roaming book characters and performers throughout the Village.
- Step Back in Time – experience an 1870s classroom, complete with old-fashioned lessons and a strict schoolteacher!
- Books, Books & More Books! – browse the Collins Booksellers pop-up shop and have your favourite books signed by the authors.
- More to Explore – enjoy historical films, Mrs Kuck's Confectionery and the opportunity to meet Warrnambool's famous Maremma guardian dogs.
Tickets
General Admission
- $10 per person
- $40 family ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children)
- Children under 4 free
General admission includes entry to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and a range of festival activities.
All ticket holders must enter between 11:30am and 1:30pm.
Special Author Talks & Experiences
Make the most of your festival visit by booking one of the special sessions:
- 12:45pm–1:45pm: Pressed-Flower Bookmarks & Storytime with Olivia Coates
- 1pm–2pm: Maremma Experience
- 2pm–3pm: Scones & Storytime with Neridah McMullin
- 2:15pm–2:45pm: Author Talk with Fiona Harris
- 3:15pm–3:45pm: Author Talk with Felice Arena
Additional session costs:
- Author Talks – $5 per person
- Activated Storytime – $5–$8 per child
- Maremma Experience – $5 per person (50% donated to the Middle Island Project)
Special sessions are available as add-ons when purchasing your festival entry ticket. Bookings are recommended as places are limited.
Join the Story!
Gather your little bookworms and join Collins Booksellers Warrnambool for an afternoon celebrating the magic of reading, storytelling and imagination in the beautiful surrounds of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
Book your tickets today!
This special event is being delivered by Collins Booksellers Warrnambool in collaboration with Flagstaff Hill, for the purposes of enhancing the engagement of children and their families with books, reading, and storytelling.
The bookshop is a grateful recipient of funding from the ABA Bookseller Events Program, assisted by the Australian Government through Writing Australia. Tickets are priced below true cost thanks to this financial support.