Byron Writers Festival 2026 program announced

Byron Writers Festival has released the line-up for this year’s program, running from 14 to 16 August in Bundjalung Country, Byron Bay, NSW.

Festival organisers said that with the theme “Sanctuary”, the festival comes “at a moment of great global change, and as algorithmic tools offer a cheap illusion of creativity and understanding. From the festival stage to the bookstore and cafes, take sanctuary here alongside those nourished by the doing of writing, reading and thinking.”

International guest speakers include Indian novelist and short story writer Geetanjali Shree, Thai transnational writer Thammika Songkaeo, Chilean poet and musician Julio Carrasco, Mapuche poet and singer-songwriter Faumelisa Manquepillan Calfuleo, US author Rafael Frumkin and Sydney-born, UK-based philosopher Roman Krznaric.

Local authors at the festival include Evelyn Araluen, Luke Bateman, Daniel Browning, Jane Caro, Bob Carr, Trent Dalton, Dakota Feirer, Richard Fidler, Robert Forster, Osher Günsberg, Antoun Issa, Julie Janson, Sean Kelly, Kris Kneen, Siang Lu, Melissa Lucashenko, George Megalogenis, Steve MinOn, Debra Oswald, Andrew Pippos, Micaela Sahhar, Marika Sosnowski, Claire Thomas, Sita Walker, Tasma Walton and Michael Winkler.

Byron Writers Festival artistic director and CEO Jessica Alice said, “This year’s landmark 30th anniversary festival celebrates renewal, ritual and transformation at the country’s most easterly mainland point. We gather as global voices united in the specificity of this place, together creating a sanctuary for the art and role of the writer.”

The festival program is available on the website.

Category: Festivals Local news