We were saddened to hear on Friday last week that the absolutely brilliant Rue Bebelons, which has been our longtime Festival Hub, is closing down due to the condemnation of their building.

This is just a short post to thank Aaron Lind and the wonderful team at Rue Bebelons for their support over the years. They provided us with a dynamic space where the Emerging Writers’ Festival audience could meet to debrief after a long day of talking writing. In 2012, we ran our incredibly successful Industry Insiders in their performance space, drawing enthusiastic crowds, who were very grateful to have such a warm, friendly and laidback space to wind down in.

They were true friends of the festival and we hope that they find new digs and keep serving the festival favourites (strong coffee, fresh baguettes and espresso martinis!!). We know as soon as they do, we’ll be amongst their first people through the door.

Rue Bebelons closes it’s doors on the 267 Little Lonsdale Street venue on January 26. So if you find yourself in Melbourne, there’s still plenty of time for a last drink and you’ll certainly be seeing us there before then!