The Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival is one of the most unique and exciting regional literary festivals in Australia. Held annually on the NSW June long weekend (from Friday to Sunday), the BRWF has welcomed some of the most respected and innovative writers, public figures, politicians and performers to the Mid North Coast.
From Booker Prize-winners like Richard Flanagan, Peter Carey and Thomas Keneally, to Nobel laureate Peter Doherty; from renown journalists like Fran Kelly, Kerrie O’Brien and Barrie Cassidy to political leaders like Bob Brown and Kevin Rudd; from cultural commentators like Rhoda Roberts, Stan Grant, and Jane Caro to screen legends such as Sam Neill, Jack Thompson and, of course, our BRWF Patron Bryan Brown, the BRWF has grown into one of the premiere events on the Mid North Coast.
It is a festival that celebrates writers and readers from all ages and walks of life, and is proud to support the region’s Gumbaynggirr culture and heritage. They also run an annual Schools Program, bringing authors directly into classrooms and reaching over 4000 students.
Unlike many other festivals, their professional yet intimate nature means that authors and readers engage much more directly with each other. So dust off your library card, hit the bookshelves, and start getting your questions ready!