Weekend of words a hit for Whanganui Literary Festival organisers

Ecstatic organisers are already turning their minds to an even better Whanganui Literary Festival in 2019.

The seventh edition of the biennial festival wrapped up on Sunday having started on September 30 with fringe events leading up to Friday's gala opening.

"It was a fabulous weekend enjoyed by both the authors and audience. We've had positive feedback from everybody," Literary Festival Trust chairwoman Gillian Tasker said.

The festival concluded with a weekend of sessions with the main line-up of writers which included Nick Bollinger, C.K. Stead, Fiona Farrell, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Sarah Laing, Adam Dudding, Jo Seagar and Roger Hall.

The trust would have a clearer idea of ticket sales in the coming weeks, Ms Tasker said.

"We believe we probably exceeded last time. We certainly felt that the numbers were steady through the festival."

She said offering new fringe events this year had helped get more local people involved.

"It was wonderful to be able to have different people experience the festival and particularly bringing in the songwriters and singers this year was a good experience."

First held in 2006 the festival is now a mainstay on the Whanganui events calendar.

"It has been recognised by the council as one of Whanganui's iconic events," Ms Tasker said.

"I think people really appreciate the boutique nature of it and the fact that you can get up close to the authors. In Whanganui you can actually talk to them.

"We are already starting to think about how we can do better next time."

The trust sought feedback from the audience throughout the event and will be using that to grow the next event.