Byron Writers Festival has pulled out all stops to create a day full of fun, inspiration and creativity to ignite the imaginations of children. Seven acclaimed children’s authors will face their toughest and most vocal audience at the Greenstone Partners Marquee on Festival Sunday August 6 and they’ve promised to meet the challenge, each delivering a session of non-stop entertainment.
As well as the chance for kids to meet their literary heroes, there’s a Storytelling Tipi to explore, creative writing and craft workshops, a drawing activity table, a pop-up library and the StoryBoard bus. Kids Big Day Out tickets are $40 and include one complimentary adult human.
Lucas Proudfoot
Lucas Proudfoot is one of Australia’s most versatile children’s performers and now also an author. Music, story and laughter make The Proud Foots show a ‘must see’ event. 9.30–10am.
Morris Gleitzman
After writing almost 40 books for young people, award-winning Morris Gleitzman is one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors. His upcoming book Maybe is the next compelling chapter in the life of Felix, hero of the award-winning Once, Then, Now, After and Soon. 10.10–10.40am. Gleitzman will also be taking part in the main festival program, including a one-on-one conversation with festival founder Chris Hanley (Saturday) and Offshore: Stories from Behind the Wire with Roger Cohen and Madeline Gleeson (Sunday).
Hilary Badger
Hilary is a close associate of the elusive H I Larry, author of the popular middle-primary series Zac Power. She also wrote a young adult novel, State of Grace. 10.50–11.20am.
Peter Helliar
Peter Helliar is an Australian comedian, TV presenter and author of the best-selling time-travel adventure for children, Frankie Fish and the Sonic Suitcase. 11.30–12pm. Peter Helliar is also appearing in the main Festival program in conversation with Miles Merrill (Friday August 4) and How I Got Here with Meshel Laurie, Tracey Spicer and Mandy Nolan (Saturday August 5).
Tristan Bancks
Tristan Bancks is a children’s and teen author. His books include the weird-funny-gross My Life series, the award-winning Two Wolves and new novel The Fall. 12.10–12.40pm.
Sally Rippin
Sally Rippin is the author of the best-selling Billie B Brown series. Her latest book is Polly and Buster –The Wayward Witch and The Feelings Monster. 12.50–1.20pm. Tristan Bancks and Sally Rippin will also be appearing in the main festival program in Reach for the Stars: Literacy in Children with magician Cosentino (Friday August 4).
Richard Roxburgh
Richard Roxburgh is one of Australia’s best-loved and most versatile actors. Artie and the Grime Wave is his first book for children. 1.302pm. Richard Roxburgh, star of Rake, will also be appearing in the main festival program in the session Rake with Andrew Knight and Jennifer Byrne (Saturday August 5).
• For more on Byron Writers Festival visit byronwritersfestival.com
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