The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is a beloved fixture of the June long weekend, but its impact extends beyond the main event. In the week leading up to the Festival, the hugely popular Schools Program brings six acclaimed authors and playwrights into classrooms across four LGAs—Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Kempsey and Nambucca—reaching more than 2,500 primary and high school students.
This year, demand was stronger than ever. Bookings opened on 12 February, and within just three days, every session was fully booked by over 30 schools.
Schools Program Coordinator Rachel Young said, “We’re absolutely stunned by how fast it sold out. We’ve created a wait list for any sessions that become available due to cancellation.”
This year, the highly acclaimed and award-winning authors will treat the students to book and poetry readings as well as a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be an author and write a book. Presentation topics such as creative writing, how to find story ideas and bring them to life and the art of developing characters and writing dialogue, will engage and delight young people and inspire them to try their hand at writing. Each captivating presentation is highly interactive and designed to make the creative process less intimidating and overwhelming.
Festival organisers are now seeking a sponsor to help expand the program to reach even more eager students.
“If any generous business can step in, we’d love to hear from them through our website,” Rachel said.
The Schools Program is an incredible opportunity for students to meet and engage with renowned Australian authors in their own classrooms—sparking a love for reading and writing that can last a lifetime.
What could be more valuable than that for our region’s youngest readers and budding writers?
The Festival’s 2025 main program launches on 10 April, with generous Early Bird discounts available until the end of April.
Find out more here.