The first round of authors have been revealed for the 2025 Byron Writers Festival, to be held at the Bangalow Showgrounds on August 8–10.
Leading the line up are Esther Freud (UK), Helen Garner, journalist Joe Aston, Gina Chick, Michelle de Kretser, novelist Hannah Kent, First Nations campaigner Thomas Mayo, musician/playwright Nardi Simpson and international bestselling author, Markus Zusak.
Artistic Director, Jessica Alice, said, ‘I’m delighted to share this first glimpse of what is going to be a blockbuster program’.
‘Some of the finest writers from Australia and around the world will join us in Byron Shire to discuss the latest in fiction, memoir, politics, poetry and more – and we can’t wait to share this with our community,’ she said.
It will be Esther Freud’s first appearance at the festival, say organisers, and she was chosen as one of Granta’s Best Young British Novelists.
‘Her other novels include The Sea House, Lucky Break and Mr Mac and Me, and most recently, I Couldn’t Love You More. Freud is the daughter of British painter Lucian Freud and great-granddaughter of Sigmund Freud. Her forthcoming book, My Sister and Other Lovers, will be published in July’.
One of Australia’s greatest writers, Helen Garner, will present her critically acclaimed book, The Season, an account from the sidelines of her youngest grandson’s under 16s footy team.
Early bird tickets on sale now – for more info visit www.byronwritersfestival.com.
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