The festival began in January 1997,[1][2] with most events initially held at the State Library of New South Wales.
Events are also regularly held in regional and suburban locations including Parramatta, Ashfield, Auburn, Blacktown, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hornsby, Penrith, Blue Mountains and Wollongong.
[3] Now held mid-to-late May each year, the Festival involves over 400 participants and presents over 300 events.
Approximately one-third of all Sydney Writers' Festival events are free of charge.
[citation needed] Sydney Writers' Festival Limited is a not-for-profit company with an independent board of directors.