Tearing up the stage is five outrageously funny, smart and talented women to mark the Festival’s closing event - Girls' Night In! Bringing their unique brand of humour and whip-smart observations on the whimsy of life – and the meagre role played by men of all ages – these dames will have you in stitches as they chew the fat and share their love of literature, fine art, music and aged cognac. Kick off your heels (boys too), laugh with gusto and celebrate the end of the 2018 Canberra Writers Festival!

A must attend event. Acclaimed and sometimes controversial Scottish author and playwright Irvine Welsh in conversation with the ABC’s Richard Fidler. Best known as the writer of the Trainspotting series, Welsh will chat about Dead Men’s Trousers, the fifth novel in the series that has made Welsh a household name in the literary world. Hear from the man who swears he had a criminal record at eight years old.

One of Australia’s true food legends, Maggie Beer has created an iconic brand from her farm house in the Barossa Valley, tantalising our taste buds for more than twenty years. She is the pioneer in the promotion and use of regional food and wine creating products and recipes that align. Hear Maggie talk about her “overnight success” and how she keeps on giving in a scintillating evening of good food and conversation, with Malcolm Farr, from news.com.au and the Insiders. Menu by Maggie!