Gumboots at fest's finale

BOOTING UP: The Whanganui Literary Festival organisers are set for High Tea & Gumboots; from rear from left, Gillian Tasker, Kelly Scarrow and front, Gayelene Holly and Helen Frances.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO300715WCSMFESTIVAL1

Gussie up your gummies, book lovers.

The Whanganui Literary Festival this year will finish with high tea and a dress code of gumboots.

The event will feature Wanganui born author Sarah O'Neil talking about her passion for gardening and writing, and the ups and downs of living on a lifestyle block in the Waikato with her family.

Sarah has published two books to date, The Good Life: Four Glorious Seasons in My Country Garden and Play in the Garden for children. She regularly writes gardening articles for Kiwifamilies.co.nz, Natural Parent magazine, Go Gardening, The Garden Pantry facebook page, and her blog - gardeningkiwi.wordpress.com has an international following.

While Sarah talks, literary festival goers can enjoy a high tea of savouries and cakes.

Those going are invited to wear clean gumboots with a spot prize for the most decorative pair.

Whanganui Literary Festival Trust chairperson Gillian Tasker said the new addition to the programme was something to look forward to.

"High tea on Sunday afternoon with this inspiring author from our home town is a fun way to finish the festival, with an opportunity to socialise, to chat about the festival, and of course gumboots are the footwear of choice."

High Tea & Gumboots is on September 20 at 2.15pm in the Pioneer Room, War Memorial Centre. Book at the Royal Wanganui Opera House. The festival runs from September 12 to 20 See: writersfest.co.nz.