Melbourne Writers' Festival When? 25 August to September 4, 2011, Where? Federation Square, Melbourne,

What? A festival featuring around 300 of the best writers from Australia and around the world, discussing everything from passion to politics, Harry Potter to history, short stories to sex, in a program of 270 interviews, panel discussions and other events at Federation Square. Also features a Schools' Program, workshop and masterclass program, a series of 10 high profile non-fiction lectures and a Keynote Address at the Melbourne Town Hall.

Each new festival breaks previous box office records with audience numbers 40,000+, as well as seeing a marked increase in the younger demographic of 24 - 35 years. This is now the predominant age group with the 36 - 55 age group the second most numerous.

2011? This year's festival will explore the future of media in a digital world; celebrate the growing popularity of graphic novels; and focus on performance, from music to storytelling.

When? August 25 - September 4, 2011 - 2012 TBA

Where? Federation Square and selected venues around Melbourne.

Who? It's huge. 2011 Festival program includes Johnathan Franzen, Ann Patchett , Jane Smiley, crime writers Lynda La Plante, Peter Temple and Tess Gerritsen, political commentators Mona Eltahawy and Malalai Joya, artist and Oscar-winner Shaun Tan, writers Kate Grenville, Richard Flanagan, and Alice Pung plus more

How much? Some Free events. Others TBA

Melbourne Writers' Festival Website

Previous festivals : Paul Keating, John Pilger, David Sedaris, Maude Barlow, Orlando Figes, Don Watson, Germaine Greer, Josh Earl, David Rakoff, Judith Lucy, Rachel Cohn, Helen Garner, Nam Le, David Malouf, Nick Davies, Michelle de Krester, Matthew Condon, Waleed Aly, Joan London, Andrew Davies, Danny Katz, Mirelle Juchau, Robert Dessaix, Susan Johnson and Salman Rushdie who appeared on a live link with the Edinburgh Festival.