We congratulate Featherston Booktown which has won hosting rights for the International Organisation of Booktowns (IOB) global conference in 2024.

Delegates from the IOB’s 21 member Booktowns are expected to gather in Featherston for the organisation’s bi-annual global conference, along with representatives from over 40 Booktowns around the world.

Peter Biggs, the chair of Featherston Booktown Trust, says – and the Council agrees – that it will be “a fantastic opportunity to showcase internationally the Wairarapa as a vibrant cultural tourism destination and promote the region’s other stunning attractions”.

Biggs represented Featherston Booktown at this year’s IOB global conference in Borrby, Sweden where he said there was intense competition to host the 2024 conference.

But thanks in part to a video presentation, put together by Featherston photographer Pete Monk “Featherston’s bid won the day”.

Established in 2015, Featherston Booktown is now a year-round literary development organisation, with writer exchanges and a residency on the cards.

The annual festival has gone from strength to strength, attracting 8000 visitors over three days.

South Wairarapa District Council has been pleased to assist Booktown over the years, and in particular, its Young Readers programme which involves schools and young readers across the region.

The dates for the 2024 conference are yet to be confirmed.