Byron Writers Festival returns with bold new format

BYRON Writers Festival is set to return this August for its 30th anniversary, unveiling a new format that will see events staged across multiple venues in the heart of Byron Bay.

The shift follows last year’s late cancellation of the weekend program after heavy rain caused flooding and safety concerns at Bangalow Showground, which had been the festival’s home since 2023.

This year, the festival will unfold across a walkable precinct, with sessions at the Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Surf Club, Byron Community Centre and Haven, alongside a stage of free programming on the Byron Bay foreshore.

Book signings and author appearances will take place at the official festival bookshop, The Book Room, while satellite events will be held at the Cavanbah Centre, which will also serve as the main parking hub, with shuttle buses transporting patrons to the festival precinct.

With last year’s weather-related cancellation not covered by insurance, artistic director Jessica Alice said the festival’s survival was made possible by strong support from festivalgoers, presenters and sponsors.

“It was obviously so heartbreaking to go through what we went through and so disappointing for audiences, but we are very grateful that we have come through it all to the other side,” she said.

“We’re really thrilled to be moving back into the heart of Byron Bay. Some venues are literally next door to each other and the most anyone will have to walk between them is five to 15 minutes, but we will be increasing the changeover time between sessions for the odd time you might have to go from the furthest end to the other.

“It’s a format that works well in other parts of Australia and across the world and it’s kind of taking us back to our roots, which is really beautiful.

“At the Bangalow site we had to build a small village for the festival but with our new model we are using the town’s existing infrastructure, and it will have great economic benefit for local businesses.”

 

Alice said the team conducted a thorough assessment of potential locations before settling on the new model.

“We were looking for what’s going to be the most weather resilient and adaptable site that will take us into the future for the next 30 years,” she said.

“In the Northern Rivers we are probably more aware than most parts of the country about the realities of climate change. We have had a lot of wet weather, floods and cyclones, but in other parts of the country summer festivals are dealing with extreme heat and having to move their events to more temperate times of the year.”

Early Bird tickets for the 2026 Byron Writers Festival will go on sale in April, when the first authors will also be announced.

The full festival program will be released in June, including detailed information about venues, ticketing, parking, accessibility and other essential event details.

Byron Writers Festivals takes place from 14 August to 16 August.

For more information, visit byronwritersfestival.com