PRESS RELEASE: DOUGLAS SHIRE BOOK FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF STORIES & COMMUNITY

The Douglas Shire is set to come alive with the magic of storytelling during the inaugural Douglas Shire Book Festival, a two-day literary celebration taking place on 2–3 August 2025. This vibrant festival will shine a spotlight on the region’s rich literary talent and foster a love of reading across generations.
Spanning the weekend, the festival will kick off in Mossman on Saturday before moving to Port Douglas on Sunday, offering a diverse range of activities for book lovers, families, and market-goers alike.
At the festival’s heart is a bustling book market, where local authors will showcase and sell their works. This is a unique opportunity for readers to meet the storytellers behind the books, discover fresh voices, and celebrate the literary talent of the Douglas Shire.
Adding to the festive atmosphere will be roaming entertainers—poets, performers, and beloved book characters—who will bring stories to life while guiding attendees through the event. Outside, food and beverage vans will offer a variety of delicious refreshments, ensuring a feast for both mind and body.
Families are warmly invited. The festival promises a dedicated lineup of children’s activities, including face painting, storytelling stations, and hands-on creative experiences. It promises to be a space where imagination takes flight for all ages.
The Douglas Shire Book Festival also celebrates collaboration, working closely with local businesses to create a dynamic and inclusive community event. As President of the organising committee and a proud major sponsor, Crystal Leonardi said:
“The Douglas Shire Book Festival is more than an event—it celebrates creativity, community, and

connection. We’re thrilled to offer local authors a platform to shine and to bring together people of all ages to share in the joy of stories.”
This event aspires to become a cornerstone in the local calendar, attracting residents and visitors alike. With its unique blend of literary showcases, entertainment, and family-friendly fun, the Douglas Shire Book Festival is set to leave a lasting impact on the region’s cultural landscape.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Crystal Leonardi
President, Douglas Shire Book Festival
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0412779889
Website: www.crystalleonardi.com/about-1

Festival details:
Saturday 2nd August 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Mossman Community Hall
8-14 Mill Street, Mossman QLD

Sunday 3rd August 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Port Douglas Community Hall
13-29 Mowbray Street, Port Douglas QLD

Media Contacts:

Name: Crystal LeonardiCompany: Douglas Shire Book FestivalEmail: Phone: 0412779889

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About Douglas Shire Book Festival

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The Douglas Shire Book Festival is a two-day celebration dedicated to promoting local authors and fostering a love of literacy within the community. This vibrant event, spanning a weekend, aims to captivate book enthusiasts and market-goers alike, with activities taking place in Mossman on Saturday and Port Douglas on Sunday. The festival will feature a bustling book market stall, providing local authors with the perfect platform to showcase and sell their work. This not only highlights the literary talents within the region but also offers attendees the chance to discover new, locally-authored books and meet the writers behind them. To enhance the festive atmosphere, food and beverage vans will be conveniently located outside the festival, ensuring a variety of delicious refreshments for all visitors. Inside the festival, roaming entertainers, including poets and beloved book characters, will add to the excitement by offering photo opportunities and assisting as ushers, guiding attendees when needed. Children will be thoroughly entertained with a range of activities designed just for them. Face painting and storytelling stations will provide creative and engaging experiences, making the festival a fun destination for families. Additionally, the festival's layout and programming are designed to foster collaboration with local businesses, creating a sense of community and mutual support. The Douglas Shire Book Festival aspires to attract a diverse audience, drawing in market-goers from both Mossman and Port Douglas. By offering an engaging mix of literary showcases, entertainment, and family-friendly activities, the event aims to create a memorable experience for all attendees, while highlighting the rich literary culture of the Douglas Shire. This festival is set to become a cornerstone event in the local calendar, celebrating the written word and the talented individuals who bring stories to life.