Whitsundays Voices Youth Literature launches 20th festival featuring Kate Ceberano, Nick Earls

Regional Queensland's largest youth literature festival strives to inspire students to pick up a book with famous authors and artistic workshops. SEE THE LINEUP.

Whitsundays Voices Youth Literature Festival celebrates its 20th year with a star studded lineup including Nick Earl and Kate Ceberano.

One of North Queensland's only youth literature festivals is celebrating its 20th birthday with a star studded line-up of authors including a famous Brisbane author and an Aussie music icon.

The Whitsundays Voices Youth Literature festival started 21 years ago when Whitsundays Anglican school Principal Craig Bassingthwaighte decided that rural students deserved the same opportunity to be inspired by the world of literature as their South East Queensland counterparts.

Tracey Gurdler is a firm believer that all children can benefit from being introduced to literature at an early age. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Tracey Gurdler, the festival’s manager, said that thanks to the Winchester Foundation and other supporters, the festival has been able to draw in thousands of students from across Mackay as well as over 5,000 students from rural schools over the last 11 years.

“It's incredibly important to keep kids reading so they have that knowledge of literature,” Ms Gurdler said.

Hosting sessions and workshops this year will be 13 authors including Nick Earls, James Foley, Allison Tait and 11 year old author Lincoln Rawlins, as well as children's book illustrator Mandy Foote.

Nick Earls is returning to host sessions at the festival for the third time since its inception in 2004. (AAPImage/Jono Searle)

“Nick Earls was here for our first festival in 2004 … this will be his third time attending,” Ms Gurdler said happily.

The authors will share their experiences with literature and lead writing exercises while attending illustrators will lead art workshops.

“I wish I had a dollar for every child that I’ve heard has started reading after coming to the festival,” she said.

“They’ve been inspired by the authors, it’s so amazing and exactly why we do this.

“Our mantra is put down the iPhone and pick up a book.”

Australian music icon Kate Ceberano will wrap up the festival on July 12 with a special musical performance where she’ll discuss her creative process.

The festival will commence Thursday July 11 at 9am with tickets on sale at Whitsunday Anglican School reception and are priced at $8.00 for session and $15 for workshops.