The Aotea Centre foyer at the end of Trent Dalton’s session at last year's Festival was a sight to behold: some 2000+ people spilling out who had been moved to tears, joy, hope, laughter and new perspectives by Trent’s own journey and those he writes about.

Happily, Trent loved it too.

For one night only, he returns to the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre stage for a night of conversation with Michelle Langstone and an extended audience Q+A section – as well as to be part of a special announcement about his next exciting project in Tāmaki Makaurau.

But if you’re not yet a convert to Trent’s work, or missed him last time, fear not. The evening will trace his career to date: from his early journalism career telling the stories of those on the margins; his mega-hit debut Boy Swallows Universe; hugely popular novels All Our Shimmering Skies and Lola in the Mirror; acclaimed stage and Netflix adaptations, as well as Love Stories, gathered by the author from real people on Brisbane’s streets.

Join him and get your Festival week off to the best possible start.