BOOK lovers filled the streets of Clunes at the weekend as poets, novelists, publishers and thousands of visitors attended the annual Back to Booktown weekend.
President of the Clunes Tourist and Development Association and member of the Booktown Organising committee Graeme Johnston said initial estimates were that between 10,000 and 12,000 people attended over the weekend.
"We had lots of daytrippers from Melbourne, many of whom have never been to Clunes before and intend to come back again to explore the town," he said.
"We've had glowing reports from visitors and booktraders of the obvious strong volunteer support that underpins the event."
Celebrated children's author John Marsden attended the event and joined a conversation panel with poet Anthony Lawrence and novelists Melissa Lucashenko and Alexis Wright yesterday.
"There was a full house for all the Backchat sessions with our visiting writers," said Mr Johnston.
The CFA nothing-over-$5 book market was also a massive success.
It attracted hundreds of buyers and raised several thousand dollars.
"There were strong book sales and a wonderful alfresco cafe atmosphere along Fraser St," said Mr Johnston.
"It really is a great event that has obviously struck a chord with people and puts Clunes' Back to Booktown firmly on the calendar now for the first weekend in May each year."