We are pleased to announce that the Scone Literary Festival’s flagship event, the Patrick White Oration, will return in 2026, bringing a powerful evening of ideas, rich conversation and divine storytelling to the Upper Hunter. Held on Saturday 7 March 2026, the Patrick White Oration will unfold in the evening amid the quiet grandeur and striking surrounds of the Scone Race Club. As the Festival’s flagship event, the Oration honours the legacy of Patrick White, Australia’s only Nobel Prize–winning author, and welcomes a nationally recognised voice to the Upper Hunter to explore literature, culture and the ideas shaping contemporary Australia. Starting at 5:30pm, the evening will feature a keynote address followed by a Q&A, with time then to enjoy nibbles, connect with fellow book lovers and continue the conversation. We hope you join us for a memorable evening in one of regional NSW’s most welcoming towns! Scone is a bustling regional town that prides itself on being open and friendly. Find out more about the stunning surrounds, accommodation and where to get the best coffee here. Tickets will soon be available via the website. Follow the Scone Literary Festival on Facebook or visit their website for more information.