8-PAGE GUIDE
F R I 9 – S U N 11 AUGUS T B YRONW RIT ER S FES T IVAL.COM
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Three days of inspiring conversations and stories this weekend at Bangalow Showground Byron Writers Festival is renowned for its relaxed and friendly vibe, stunning festival grounds and of course, its incredible three-day program. But how do you ‘do’ a writers festival? Here’s our guide to help you tailor your festival experience.
What happens at the festival? The festival brings writers and thinkers from many walks of life to Byron Shire. They are artists, environmentalists, journalists, poets, philosophers, musicians,
politicians, activists and of course, novelists. With a similar set-up to a music festival, day pass holders can wander between six venues (five outdoor marquees and the A&I Hall) and choose what they want to see on the day. Be inspired by the festival’s
biggest names in one-one-one conversations, engage with brilliant ideas and contemporary issues, and discover new writers to nourish your soul and revive your mind. Kick on into the evening at separately ticketed Feature Events with highlight authors from the festival.
Welcome to Byron Writers Festival 2024
I
’m so delighted to welcome you to our 2024 festival. Writers from around the world will join us at Bangalow Showground for three days in celebration of books and ideas. We’ve curated an extensive lineup of Australian and international writers with brilliant new titles, including novelists, memoirists, poets, journalists, comedians, actors and musicians. Together we will traverse all aspects of storytelling, from politics to novels of the zeitgeist, to the beauty of language. Join us under the trees for compelling conversations and performances, and wander between six venues, enjoying delicious food and
artisan markets, and a sculpture walk. Meet your favourite authors at book signings after each session, with books on sale from The Book Room.
Bring your little readers on Sunday 11 August for the Kids Big Day Out, with authors across two stages presenting talks, workshops and activities to delight our writers of the future. Learn about native wildlife with Bob Brown, speak te reo Māori with Miss Nicky Says, get drawing tips from illustrator Peter Carnavas, among many other exciting and bestselling writers for kids. With over 160 writers across three days, this is our biggest festival yet. Be a part of this annual gathering at the heart of the Northern Rivers cultural life. – Jessica Alice, Artistic Director
Eat, drink and shop! There are plenty of tasty food options on site, plus coffee! The festival bar is open from 4pm on Friday and Saturday in the A&I Hall, and Bangalow Lions Club operates an on-site bar each day. The Book Room presents the festival bookshop, where you can meet authors for signings after their sessions. Explore the popular sculpture walk or take home a memento from our artisan market stalls.
Do I need to be a writer to enjoy the festival? No! Byron Writers Festival is for everyone – whether you read one or 100 books a year. Most people attend to engage with new ideas, enjoy the bohemian vibe, and fall in love with books.
What’s the best ticket type for me? 1-Day and 3-Day passes give access to all sessions on your chosen day or days – 35 sessions each day. Passes are selling fast, so book now! Our new Youth Pass for people under 25 years is available for each day of the festival. There are also
discounted tickets for pensioners and concession card holders. Separately ticketed Feature Events, Workshops and Satellite Events take place during festival week and in the evenings. Explore the program at b yronwritersfestival. com/festival-program.
Can I take the kids? Yes! Sunday 11 August presents Kids Big Day Out, a wonderful program of entertainment. A Kids Big Day Out Pass admits one child (6-12 years) and one adult to the kids marquees for $55, with additional children for $20 each.
Parking and shuttle bus To park at Bangalow Showground you’ll need a $5 Parking Pass for each day you intend to park. A free festival shuttle bus operates every hour between the Byron Bay Interchange (Butler Street), Cavanbah Centre (Ewingsdale Road) and the festival site from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August. Free car parking is available at Cavanbah Centre for shuttle bus patrons. See details at byronwritersfestival.com/travel. ■ All festival tickets are available at
byronwriterfestival.com/tickets.
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August 7, 2024 The Byron Shire Echo 19