
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.
- For festival passes, event tickets and more information, visit byronwritersfestival.com.


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