Esther Freud (UK), Helen Garner, Joe Aston, Gina Chick, Michelle de Kretser, Hannah Kent, Thomas Mayo, Nardi Simpson and Markus Zusak lead the lineup.

The 2025 edition of the Byron Writers Festival (8 – 10 August) will see Bangalow Showground transformed into a literary playground featuring some of Australia and the world’s most acclaimed authors and original voices.

Across the 3-day festival word lovers will engage with lively discussions starring some of today’s most admired writers of contemporary fiction and non-fiction. These include literary luminary Esther Freud (UK); acclaimed writer and national treasure Helen Garner; journalist and commentator Joe Aston; memoirist and Alone Australia icon Gina Chick; Miles Franklin award-winning writer Michelle de Kretser; celebrated novelist Hannah Kent; author and advocate Thomas Mayo; award-winning storyteller Nardi Simpson and bestselling writer 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.”

Byron Writers Festival is delighted to announce the first appearance by Esther Freud (UK). Kicking off her literary career with her first novel, Hideous Kinky, after publishing her second book Esther 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.

Helen Garner, one of Australia’s greatest writers will appear at the festival with her critically acclaimed book The Season, an account from the sidelines of her youngest grandson’s under – 16s footy team. Garner captures the grace and grit of team spirit and the passage from boyhood to manhood, both as part of the story and as silent witness.

One of Australia’s most influential commentators on business, finance and politics, Joe Aston, will bring his razor-sharp insights to Byron Writers Festival. In The Chairman’s Lounge, Aston offers a behind-the-scenes look into the corridors of power and what led to the reputational damage of one of Australia’s most iconic brands.

Trailblazer Gina Chick, the inaugural winner of Alone Australia, makes her debut appearance at Byron Writers Festival with We Are the Stars – a magic carpet ride through the exquisite mystery of the human heart. From day one of her wildly unconventional childhood, the book tells the story of her extraordinary, indomitable life.

Michelle de Kretser, one of Australia’s most celebrated writers, bends fiction, essay and memoir into exhilarating new shapes to uncover what happens when life smashes through the boundaries of art. Theory & Practice, her seventh novel, is a mesmerising account of desire and jealousy, truth and shame. Join Michelle as she expands our notion of what a novel can contain.

Bestselling literary novelist Hannah Kent makes a welcome return to Byron Writers Festival with Almost Home, Almost Homesick, her forthcoming first work of non-fiction – a literary memoir and love letter to her muse, Iceland. Known for her captivating storytelling and evocative prose, Kent has made a name for herself with critically acclaimed novels like Burial Rites and The Good People.

Joining the lineup is writer and First Nations campaigner Thomas Mayo. Mayo co-wrote The Voice to Parliament Handbook (with Kerry O’Brien) and is the author of Finding the Heart of the Nation, Dear Son and the best-selling children’s books Finding our Heart and Freedom Day. His latest book Always Was, Always Will Be is essential reading for those who want to know ‘what’s next?’

Yuwaalaraay storyteller, musician, composer, playwright and educator Nardi Simpson will appear at Byron Writers Festival with her acclaimed second novel The Belburd. Nardi won the 2018 Black&Write! Fellowship and the ALS Gold Medal and was longlisted for the 2021 Stella Prize and Miles Franklin Literary Award for her debut novel Song of the Crocodile.

International bestselling author of six novels Markus Zusak (including The Messenger, Bridge of Clay and The Book Thief – a New York Times bestseller for more than a decade) returns Byron Writers Festival with his first work of non-fiction, Three Wild Dogs (and the truth). His work is translated into more than fifty languages and has been awarded numerous honours around the world. His books have also been adapted into film, television and theatre.

This first announcement of celebrated guests offers a preview of Byron Writers Festival’s full program of more than 100 writers, thinkers and commentators to be revealed on 11 June.

Early Bird 3-day passes are on sale now

2025 EARLY BIRD TICKETS
3-day passes are on sale now until April 9 from:
https://events.humanitix.com/byron-writers-festival-2025-passes

BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL
Friday 8 – Sunday 10 August 2025
Bangalow Showground
Bundjalung country
www.byronwritersfestival.com