There will be a return of some favourites, and the introduction of new when Tauranga’s biennial literary festival kicks off on Friday.

Escape – affectionately dubbed “the little festival with big ideas” – is again proving popular as indicated by ticket sales, with some events sold out.

A firm favourite, A Morning Tea, will start festival proceedings on Friday, this time featuring much-loved former broadcaster Judy Bailey. The “Mother of the Nation” will speak of her new book with its focus on finding health and happiness as we age.

Judy Bailey

Other festival favourites such as Tauranga Zinefest and Wham Bam Tauranga Poetry Slam will return, plus a performance (fresh from a season in Edinburgh) by innovative theatre group Trick of the Light, whose performances have thrilled festival goers in the past.

Newly appointed Tauranga Arts Festival General Manager Sarah Cotter says interest in the festival has been high, with some sold-out events. Fortunately, it was possible to make more seats available, she said, for two Sunday morning events – one featuring Dame Anne Salmond, the other a returning favourite called Coffee with the Headlines.

The later will be a fast-paced session that will unpick and reflect on the Sunday morning news headlines.

Dame Anne, meanwhile, will reflect upon 40 years of writing and her journey as an anthropologist, activist, wife, mother and friend.

Dame Anne Salmond

It’s not too late to buy tickets to the many, exciting remaining events, Sarah says. Celebrated prize-winning authors, powerful local and national writers and speakers will all offer literary magic to thrill. The festival will include writing workshops too, as well as featuring Sam Low of MasterChef NZ fame, whose presentation will include a cooking demonstration.

To view the full Escape programme see taurangafestival.co.nz Tickets are available through the website, Baycourt and Eventfinda.

Escape festival literary programmer Gabrielle Vincent says Escape’s events are set to “expand your thinking, lift your spirits and ignite curiosity”.