Best-selling authors coming to town for special Byron Writers Festival series

ACCLAIMED authors Craig Silvey and Jane Harper, along with former Greens leader Bob Brown, will headline a series of special Byron Writers Festival events at Bangalow’s A&I Hall this October.

Silvey, who is best known for his coming-of-age classic Jasper Jones — which was adapted into both a stage play and a feature film — will appear on Sunday, October 12.

The Western Australia-based author will discuss his new children’s book Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, the much-anticipated sequel to Runt, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award.

Best-selling crime writer Jane Harper, author of The Dry, Force of Nature and The Lost Man, will take the stage on Wednesday, October 22.

The British-Australian author will introduce her latest mystery, Last One Out. The novel is set in a fractured mining town, continuing her tradition of gripping, atmospheric thrillers rooted in rural Australia.

Environmentalist Bob Brown will appear on Monday, October 13, to present his latest book, Defiance, which reflects on the beauty of nature and the challenges of protecting it.

Tickets to these events, which are available via Humantix, support the Byron Writers Festival, which is seeking community assistance after its main festival weekend was cancelled earlier this month due to heavy rain. As the cancellation was not covered by insurance, organisers have encouraged ticketholders to consider donating their ticket fees or opting for a partial refund.

The festival is also calling on literary lovers to consider making a donation to help keep the beloved event alive and thriving as it approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026.

For more information or to book, visit byronwritersfestival.com/whats-on