Culinary icon Kylie Kwong and comedian-turned-author Tim Ross will look to the past to see what is present in this year's top-shelf History Illuminated festival in Lake Macquarie.
Kwong, one of Australia's most successful chefs, cookbook authors and restaurateurs, will spearhead the November 1-9 festival with a 6 November evening chat alongside former ABC radio presenter Dan Cox about her career and how her heritage has influenced it.
The 'Evening With Kylie Kwong' is one of more than 30 events on this year's festival program and will be held at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba.
Tim Ross, who rose to fame as one half of the iconic Triple J duo 'Merrick and Rosso', has more recently focused his talents on the history of design and architecture in Australia.
In 'The Australian Dream' on 8 November, also at Warners Bay Theatre, Ross explores the archives of the State Library of NSW to uncover images and stories of how the Australian home has been sold, built and reimagined across generations.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said History Illuminated focused on the importance of uncovering, capturing and sharing histories of people, place and environment.
"History Illuminated has become one of the premier history festivals in NSW since its inception, thanks in no small part to the amazing speakers and presenters we're able to secure each year," she said.
"And it's not just the nationally significant personalities like Kylie Kwong and Tim Ross. This year's program features many local authors and identities who have either personally contributed to our region's history or have helped chronicle it for future generations."
Local presenters include prolific historian Ed Tonks, who will talk about the 'forgotten horses' of coal mining, journalist Scott Bevan, who has just released his latest book, aptly titled Newcastle and local motor-racing veteran Colin Bond, who will share his experiences behind the wheel.
Other highlights include:
- Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra performing cinema classics at Warners Bay Theatre on 2 November
- Australian Haydn Ensemble performing Beethoven's Eighth at Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba, on 8 November
- Out of the Blue vintage fashion parade with the Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles at Rathmines Theatre on 9 November.
Go to library.lakemac.com.au for a full festival program, bookings and information on presenters.
