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July 10, 2026
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Poetry, comics and dinner parties of a different kind

By The Echo

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Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.
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Entertainment NewsThe Echo - 0

For your wellbeing

On Saturday, in Byron, they are holding a Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo, at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Road – this is a community-based event and all are welcome.
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See Rachael Williams, Grantlee Kieza and Ita Mehrotra at some of this year’s Byron Writers Festival feature events.

Think it’s just books at Byron Writers Festival? Think again. From a hands-on comic and zine workshop with one of India’s most celebrated graphic novelists, to the heart-thumping, exhilarating Australian Poetry Slam, there are events and workshops as part of the Festival for all kinds of storytelling.

At the Australian Poetry Slam, step out from the herd. Listen and get heard! Show up, listen, applaud and vote, or get on the mic. Join the search for the people’s poet and watch the best slam poets battle it out for the title. Featuring the winner of the 2024 Australian Poetry Slam NSW Final, Rachael Williams, don’t miss this free festival event, Saturday 9 August at Byron Bay Library.

On Thursday August 7, join acclaimed biographer Grantlee Kieza in conversation with Mick O’Regan as they dive into two of Grantlee’s most recent books about iconic Australians Annette Kellerman, and Mr and Mrs Gould. Hosted by Friends of Libraries Byron Shire, it includes a delicious afternoon tea supplied by Bangalow CWA.

Over in Mullumbimby at Byron Community College, join acclaimed Indian artist and author Ita Mehrotra for an exciting, hands-on workshop on creating graphic novels, comics and zines. Through free-drawing exercises, crafting characters and storyboarding, learn from one of India’s most exciting graphic novelists.

Among the 120-plus sessions within the Byron Writers Festival ‘25 festival program is a free community event presented by Byron Writers Festival in a new creative collaboration with NORPA. Join them for intimate readings and discussion from Dinner Party at the End of the World – a powerful new work in development that combines verbatim accounts from community members affected by the catastrophic 2022 Northern Rivers flood. This free event is a collaboration between Byron Writers Festival and NORPA with assistance from Creative Australia. Access with your festival pass or for free via the A&I Hall Station St entrance. Bar and food will be available from 4.30pm.

 

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Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

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The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.
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First Nations voices at the opening and heart of writers festival

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Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire