Star-studded storytelling from the ground up

Byron Writers Festival 2024 will open today (Friday, August 9) at the Bangalow Showground with a packed program of literary gems, conversations, panels, and book launches across all genres.

The three-day celebration of creativity will showcase 160 writers and experts in more than 130 different sessions, with the underlying theme of “From the ground up”.

In the lead-up to the opening, Byron Writers Festival artistic director Jessica Alice told this masthead that it was gratifying to see the vision the team had worked towards all year come to fruition.

“I’m excited to be very soon welcoming writers from all over the world,” Alice said.

“I love seeing our beautiful site come to life as we build the many stages and put in the final magical touches.”

Australia’s largest regional writers’ festival, held in five large marquees and the heritage A&I Hall, tackles the big issues of the environment, politics, and contemporary social issues.

Program highlights of Australian guests include best-selling authors such as Trent Dalton, Jane Harper, Candice Fox and actor-turned-novelist Bryan Brown. James Bradley, Bruce Pascoe, AFL legend Nicky Winmar, former Greens leader Bob Brown, and Booker prize winner Richard Flanagan will participate in several events, as will Midnight Oil’s Jim Moginie, comedian Steph Tisdell, broadcaster Jennifer Byrne, journalist Jan Fran, Bundjalung author Melissa Lucashenko and the ultra-prolific Gideon Haigh.

With such a broad range of thought and works, Alice said a certain amount of respectful disagreement made festival conversations so interesting.

“It’s very rare for writers to agree. We bring together experts from a huge range of fields, from politics to sport to music, who all offer nuanced, unique perspectives.

“Everyone is welcome at Byron Writers Festival, whether they read 100 books a year or none. It’s about fascinating discussions with thinkers from around the world and soaking up good vibes in a gorgeous setting,” she said.

Alongside the main author program are workshops, feature events, satellite events throughout the region, and the popular Kids Big Day Out. Free shuttle buses from Byron Bay to Bangalow will operate on all three days.

For more information, head to byronwritersfestival.com