Byron Bay Writers' Festival

Post

Subscribe

Fri 05 Aug 2011 - Sun 07 Aug 2011

"Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go." E.L. Doctorow, American Author and Editor

If you are a writer, or simply love being in an environment where literature and the love of words is the only focus for a few days, then the is an event you should attend at least once in your life.

Held annually, the festival attracts hundreds of award winning authors, celebrities, teachers, editors, avid readers as well as enthusiastic writers, hungry to hone their craft and writing skills.

The event focusses primarily on Australian writing, and provides a forum for intelligent discussion. Through dozens of workshops and seminars, there's creative buzz, where like-minded writer folk celebrate the joy of words.

The has been attracting growing numbers since 1997. When the event first took place, it had an audience of two hundred locals, who enjoyed the input of around fifty Australian writers. Each year, the event grows and now attracts international authors, fills four huge marquees and venues around the picturesque town of Byron - and sells 45,000 individual tickets.

The festival program includes lectures, panels, conversations, and lunches - the only problem is deciding which ones to attend. There are book launches and readings by respected and significant authors, and if you're a groupie like me, you can purchase books and have them signed by your favourite author while basking in the ethereal glow of the published author - even if just for a moment.

I attended my first in 2008. It was a hectic schedule beginning with a lecture, a two day writing workshop, a comedy evening hosted by Tim Ferguson and Judith Lucy and a big day of talks by various authors. The atmosphere at the festival was rife with creativity and you can't help but come away motivated and inspired to start on that novel you've been threatening to write for 20 years.

The main days of the festival are the weekend of August 5th to August 7th, however some of the big guns ride into town approximately a week before, and the festival atmosphere starts during the week. It's a great idea to arrive perhaps on the Wednesday and do a little sight seeing. The famous Byron Bay Lighthouse is a stunning vantage point with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.

Byron has often been referred to as a 'hippy town' and to a point that's true, with an unusually high proportion of psychedelic Kombi vans, crystal and candle shops, and tie-dyed clothing venues.

For those who would like to make a mini holiday out of the trip, there are plenty of affordable and luxury places to stay in Byron Bay.

So for all you keen wannabe writers who want to rub shoulders with the already famous, mark the Byron Bay Writer's Festival on your calendar.

#festivals
#fun_things_to_do
#nsw
!date 05/08/2011 -- 07/08/2011
%wnsydney