What’s On? Byron Writers Festival 11-13 August

The Byron Writers Festival is back! One of New South Wales’s best loved events returns to Byron Bay for three days of storytelling and inspiration. Book a spot at Broken Head Holiday Park during 11-13 August for a three-day celebration of stories that showcase the power of imagination.

For the last 25+ years, the Byron Writers Festival has brought together artists, experts, and leaders with a love for the written word. By sharing the power of storytelling with over 12 000 attendees, their hope has always been to uplift new voices.

This year’s theme is Wild Imagination. ‘As humans, our imagination is our superpower. It has set us apart, enabled us to create and transform the world. As the climate crisis is teaching us, we must harness it more than ever. At this year’s Byron Writers Festival we present our leading storytellers, in wildly creative and daring conversations that envision our world anew and bring the power of imagination to the fore.’ — Zoë Pollock, Artistic Director

The festival’s jam-packed program of events celebrate humanity’s imaginative spirit. Festival-goers can choose from 80 sessions and workshops with writers, poets, commentators, musicians and artists who together compel us to imagine a world anew. 

Programme highlights

With a focus on wild imagination, the 2023 Byron Writers Festival features a special lineup you won’t want to miss. Hear from groundbreaking voices that challenge the status quo in their fields, from environmentalists and politicians to writers and poets.

The festival experience is designed around five themed venues:

• Deep Dives – Immerse yourself in compelling one-on-one conversations
• Ideas Salon – Engage with brilliant ideas and contemporary issues
• Mind Spa – Nourish your soul and revive your mind
• Play Zone – Revel in joyful experiences for young and old
• Imaginarium – Awaken your imagination with wild creativity and future thinking

Between events, you can walk through the grounds and explore the marquees in a fun, relaxed environment. Get inspired, find new art and hear from your favourite authors – the Byron Writers Festival has it all.

Fun for the whole family

Bring the family and get everyone in tune with their creative side at the kid-friendly workshops.

At the festival, Sunday is Kids Big Day Out. The event is all about helping young minds discover the magic of storytelling. The interactive presentations give kids a new way to engage with art, entertainment, and creativity – and parents love them too!

Workshops to unlock your imagination

Each of us has the power to imagine a different kind of world. Learn to bring your imagination to life by attending a workshop with some of the best wordsmiths of our age. Festival workshops are perfect for those who want to hone their craft. Practice the skills that help you take hold of your story. Learn to tell it through your most engaging and authentic voice with expert hosts like:

• From Idea to Finished Novel with Ben Hobson
• Writing YA with Mark Smith
• Memoir: Finding Your Story and Making it Come Alive with Alan Close
• The Art of the Interview with Ashley Hay

Satellite events

Can’t make it to Elements of Byron Resort for the festival? You can still enjoy a series of free and ticketed community events across the Northern Rivers region. We’ll be hosting these satellite events throughout festival week. Events include:

• Writers on the Road Regional Tour
• Australian Poetry Slam – Byron Heat
• Poets Out Loud Youth Slam

Logistics and location

The 2023 Byron Writers Festival will be relocating. This year’s event will be held at Bangalow Showground in Bangalow, a charming village within Byron Shire.

Travel and parking

On-site parking will be available within walking distance of the grounds. A shuttle bus and train service will run between Byron CBD and the festival site on 11-13 August. For attendees on bikes, there will be secure bike parking at the festival entrance.

Booking info

Subject to availability, 2023 Byron Writers Festival tickets are officially on sale:

• 3-Day Pass ($299 General/$255 Members & Students)
• 1-Day Pass ($135 General/$110 Members & Students)
• Kids Big Day Out ($40 for 1 adult + 1 child)
• Sunday Family Pass ($175 for 2 adults+ 1 child)

Need accommodation during the festival?

Broken Head Holiday Park offers a wide range of options for your stay, from unpowered campsites to beach houses. Only a short drive from the festival location, we’re the perfect base for a festival stay at a great price. Jump online and book your accommodation today!