Singapore Writers Festival returns with over 140 programmes

The 24th edition of Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) returns from Nov 5 to Nov 14 with over 140 exciting programmes.

As part of a hybrid festival this year, the programmes will be held both online and in-person. 

This year’s SWF theme “Guilty Pleasures” will push boundaries in the literary scene. Festival-goers can expect refreshing conversations with celebrated writers like Julia Quinn, author of the popular Netflix series Bridgerton. 

From food to fashion and even crime, SWF 2021 has a programme for everyone. You can even find your guilty pleasure in the literary realm. 

“Through this year’s programmes, we wanted to challenge festival-goers to reconsider what they know as literary content and explore unexpected ways of storytelling.”

“As we gravitate even more towards the things that bring us comfort during periods of change and discomfort, we hope that the festival’s programmes shed light on the relationship between pleasure and guilt and offer a platform that encourages people to redefine their canon,” said festival director Pooja Nansi in a statement. 

Those who enjoy solving crimes can check out Singapore Crimes: A Tour. The $30 physical tour and $15 virtual tour allow visitors to walk through parts of Singapore where gruesome crimes have taken place. 

Horror-lovers with a festival pass can sign up for Beware the Smell of Frangipani At Night, hosted by local author Suffian Hakim. Through this programme, visitors will be able to dissect folklore and horror legends like the Pontianak or Toyol. 

There are even programmes for the little ones. Hedwig’s Adventures and Who Is Hedwig Anuar? educates children about Hedwig Anuar, the first Singaporean director of the National Library in 1960. The programme is free upon registration.

Festival Passes Plus are priced at $35 with access to all programmes, while Festival Passes cost $20 with access to selected programmes. Early bird tickets are also available at 20 per cent off until Oct 8.

Interested festival-goers can book their tickets via SISTIC or find out more about the programme here.