2021 Canberra Writers Festival cancelled, but plans taking shape for 2022

But none of these were enough to save this year's festival,

The artistic director of the Canberra Writers Festival, Jeanne Ryckmans, announced on Friday that the 2021 event had been cancelled.

"This was to be the sixth festival and my second as artistic director," Ms Ryckmans said.

In July, days before the 2021 program was to be launched, the festival was postponed until November.

On Friday, Ms Ryckmans said the 20211 festival was cancelled because of ongoing uncertainty regarding COVID, border closures and lockdowns, and the need to protect patrons, writers, publicists, publishers and organisers.

Last year the festival was able to go on in a reduced capacity under COVID conditions, with limited seating at local events and writers speaking via Zoom.

But that won't be happening in 2021.

"It would be folly," Ms Ryckmans said.

"People have Zoom fatigue. Also, the cost would be prohibitive: last year we ran it at a loss."

She hoped to have many of the events planned for this year - confirmed participants included acclaimed author Isabel Allende - take place as part of next year's festival, as well as seeing what was new in 2022.

Festival director Paul Donohoe said that "the outpouring of goodwill from our supporters and the community propels us on to planning the next Canberra Writers Festival in August 2022".

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