Join us at the Helderberg’s annual Fringe Fireside ChatsTM festival, where creativity knows no bounds. Dive into a world of imagination as indie authors showcase their latest works and engage in thought-provoking discussions. Last year Fringe Fireside ChatsTM hosted its first groundbreaking fringe festival for self-published authors to address a changing book publishing landscape. This year’s unique three-day festival continues to celebrate self-expression and the beauty of the Helderberg region, and will run over the Women’s Day weekend from 8 to 11 August 2024.
Small or unaffiliated writers will showcase their self-starting kind of creativity, from serious bibliophiles to poets to flaky eccentrics to mountaineers, together with talks on how to self publish. The festival has partnered with 30 talented self-published authors, as well as 16 venues ranging from local pubs, restaurants, wine farms, clubs and coffee shops in Gordons Bay, Somerset West and Strand, as well as the Golden Eye and Drama Factory theatres.
Whether you’re a fan of fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to discover your next favourite read while supporting indie authors and local venues. Hear first-hand from authors about their journey from story idea to published book. Aspiring authors can also join useful workshops on how to self-publish. There will be in-depth talks on how it is now possible for self-publishing authors to print just one hard copy, and then upload it for print on a demand-only basis, as well as talks on copyright laws, writing with AI and how to market your own book.
Fringe Fireside ChatsTM was inspired by the first fringe festival in Edinburgh. Unlike formally organised festivals, fringe festivals accommodate anyone with a desire to participate who can find a venue willing to host them. They start out on a shoestring, relying on creativity, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. Fringe festivals are non-traditional in style and subject matter and support emerging independent artists and those who defy mainstream conventions. Fringe Fireside ChatsTM is an open access festival, so why not attend and consider having your own debut book ready for the 2025 festival!
Book lovers looking to pair the event with a short getaway in the area will also be privy to accommodation and restaurants specials for the weekend. For more information on the festival, plus how you can take advantage of the tourism specials and reserve your place go to http://www.fringefiresidechats.com/
Cape Town Tourism is the Official Destination Marketing Organisation for the City of Cape Town.
