We need your clever brain and knowledge in maintaining the trophy as Hepburn’s cleverest town! Whether you play through cryptic, traditional, sudoku, or Wordle, join others in this challenge. Trentham residents will compete against other Hepburn Shire towns in this crossword challenge. Enquiries can be made by contacting Val Goodwin at vandkgoodwin@gmail.com.

Kate is a multi award winning journalist and acclaimed author. Enjoy an intimate conversation of her life, career, and her intriguing book Infidelity & Other Affairs. Her latest book Delicious explores her alchemy between food, love, and lifelong friendships. Ticket includes coffee and cake, baked from a recipes in Delicious by our CWA ladies.

​

An inspiring session for sporting families and all other sports fans, local basketball legend Chris Anstey breaks down his journey from the western suburbs of Melbourne to competing against the biggest names in NBA history—plus an Olympic champion. He will tell of the unique 'language of sport' and the importance of self-belief.​​

Get your Scrabble on! How quickly can you play when the clock is ticking? Five rounds of Speed Scrabble will test your skills. The challenge is to beat your opponent, and the clock! Rules available at registration and a prize will be given.​

​

​

​

​

Words or music? Which came first? In the case of Gilbert and Sullivan, it was the words of WS Gilbert. A luminary of the Victorian age, he wrote satirical, nonsensical poetry and was a brilliant cartoonist.  His poetry influenced Lewis Carroll and other successors through to Monty Python! Tenor Richard Hobson with baritone George Kozlowski and soprano Christine Douglas OAM will delight as they present some of the classics.

Join us for a captivating session of short story readings, where local authors will bring their words to life. Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of tales exploring this year's theme of 'Anticipation'. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some great storytelling and find out who will take home the prizes. Please see our Competitions page for details of entry.​​​

Unlock your creative voice in this inspiring workshop designed to help you write the words closest to your heart, whether exploring love, memory, sorrow, or the present. Passionate poet and author Jeanne Shaw will guide you through an awakening and rewarding session to bring your personal stories to life on the page. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned writers alike.

​

Enjoy a cosy wintry afternoon reliving the classic art of Bush Poetry. The rafters of this historic and fitting venue will ring with tales of the old Aussie bush lands, featuring the works of local bush poets and heroes of the past. $500 worth of prizes available.

Looking to be part of the fun? Please see our Competitions page for details of entry.​

​

Discover the power of original voice at our Contemporary Poetry event, showcasing the talent of our local writers. Come along to hear poets perform their own compelling new works live on stage, with a total prize pool of $500 up for grabs. It promises to be an inspiring, evocative session celebrating modern storytelling right at the heart of the festival. To find out more about submitting an entry, please visit our Competitions page.

When reading and writing matter: Dr Sybil Nolan is a journalist, publisher, and researcher who will take you on a deep dive into social history and the power of the written word in shaping public life. Drawing on her upcoming book Between Reading and Screens, Sybil will speak to the shifts in how children engage with technology today and how families can balance digital habits with a love for traditional reading. ​​

​

Uncover the remarkable hidden chapters of our community with an intimate session featuring an eclectic lineup of local residents. Hear fascinating insights from Miguel Meirelles on his years in antiques, Rob MacNaught from Creature Technology, Janae of Fleurs de Lyonville on creating a successful micro flower farm, and Royal Australian Navy veteran, actor, and writer, Kat Baldwin. This promises to be an inspiring afternoon of storytelling.

Named Better Homes & Garden 2026 Garden Guru, Natasha Morgan is an inspiring landscape architect, creative and master gardener, journalist and mentor. She will share her philosophy and knowledge of connection within the magical world of plants. Do plants have their own voice? Do they care for one another? How should we care for them? Hot off the press, copies of her first book The Productive Garden Companion will be on sale.

​

Cultural anthropologist and Buddhist, Dr. Hannah Gould tackles one of humanity's greatest taboos through a book of wisdom and guidance in thinking about death. To stop avoiding the inevitable rather to embrace it as part of a good life. Honest, witty and deeply reassuring. ​'Talking about death won’t kill you.'

​

​

​

Meet the instruments of Jumbalumba: a funk, soul, latin, and blues group, plus ‘a voice'. Toe tap along to the much loved classics to today’s more contemporary music.  From Oscar Peterson to Miles Davis, to Abba, The Beatles and Living Colour, the language of ‘jazz’ promises to give you a lively and fun afternoon. 'Yeah—that’s Jazz!'

​

​

​

From famous authors and memorable characters to plot twists and literary quotes, challenge your wits and immerse yourself in the world of words. Get ready for a night filled with fun, friendly competition, and a celebration of the written word. Suitable for all ages, with children's literature included! Tables will compete against each other for the winning prize. Tea and coffee free; BYO wine and refreshments. For registration and enquiries, please email wiwtrentham@gmail.com.

Presented by some of Trentham’s best voices, a selection of the most romantic love letters ever written will be shared in this intimate evening. Hear famous declarations of love from kings to their mistresses, great novelists to their wives, Beethoven to his Immortal beloved, and Orson Welles to Rita Hayworth. From sweet and simple to letters that will sweep you off your feet, curl up within a warm room of romance with a glass of Gluhwein.

Favourite hymns, poems and other inspiring words to include a hymn written for the occasion.

Gather at St George’s Church to sing and speak words that inspire us to live and work in hope.

If you have a favourite you would like to include and sing, please send them to faymagee@gmail.com. And then join in the chorus! 

​

​

Step into the dark, shadowy world of Australian history as one of the nation's most prolific true-crime journalists takes you behind the scenes of his most notorious cases. Discover the gripping real-life stories that inspired hit TV dramas like Underbelly, and get a glimpse into his life as a passionate horse-racing fan. It promises to be a fascinating, unmissable evening for crime buffs and history lovers alike. 

​

Volare—Celebrate the final night of the festival with one long table; bowls of Emma Jame’s delicious pasta with crusty breads and salads, finishing with mini Italian desserts.  With musicians and music it is time to sing, sing, sing the night away. A fitting finale night. Wine available to purchase at the bar for $8 a glass.​

Wednesday, 5 August, 7pm

Trentham Sports Ground Reserve

Life as a Foreign Correspondent: a Trentham Talk with Cameron Stewart about life in Trump's America. $5 entry.​

​​​

Friday, 14 August

Trentham Primary School

• Student Workshop: Zeno Sworder — Melbourne writer and illustrator, author of the brilliant book Once I was a Giant — a winner of the 2026 book of the year, Australian Book Industry Awards. We are thrilled that Zeno will be presenting to children at Trentham Primary School. 

• From 2-4pm at the Mechanics, Zeno will present to adults about his extraordinary work with words, illustrations, and designs that transcends all ages. Free event.

​

Thursday, 20 August, 7pm

Hotel Trentham

Trivia night is now a regular on Trentham's calendar. No bookings — just turn up. Prizes and give-aways.