21/05/2026
📣🖤⚔️🛡🏹
A quill of writers dressed to the hilt in a mysterious alley will be showcasing their wares at the upcoming Townsville Medieval and Fantasy Festival in August.
Arcane Alley is the brainchild of Arcane Books owner Peta Weber who can’t wait to be part of this year’s festival.
The book lover was contemplating starting her own bookshop two years ago when she went to the inaugural festival and seeing its popularity, she knew she would have a ready market for her planned venture.
“Right before I opened in 2024 I went to the festival and that really solidified my decision in doing in this store because of the turnout,” she said.
“It blew me away. Everyone dressed up. I knew my people were out there and I found them. So I knew that when they did it again, I would be a part of it.
“As part of the mystique of Arcane Alley, there will be 16 authors who will do book signings and also release new books.
“We have Isobelle Carmody who is a well-known fantasy author for young adult readers.
“She has more than 40 books traditionally published and she’s used to be local here to Townsville. She was more than happy to come for a visit.
“I also have Jasmine Oliver, Rachel Armstrong who was a local author, JE Payne, Ginger Rose and Tristan Lyne.
“We all are dressing up and every author will be dressed up. They’re all planning their outfits,.”
Ms Weber said she knew a lot of people who had bought tickets to the festival go to Arcane Alley.
“I know that they’re already saving money so that they can by every author’s books and get them signed. I hope that those that haven’t read fantasy before, it encourages them to read because we are a unique bunch of people and we love it,” she said.
The bookshop owner said she wanted to help grow the festival.
“Townsville doesn’t have enough fun things and we need more that are universal and that are more encouraging to those that aren’t into sport,” Ms Weber said.
The Townsville Medieval and Fantasy Festival is on at Cluden Park on Sunday August 16.
Townsville Medieval & Fantasy Festival
Arcane Books