BRYAN BROWN | Our Patron
Bryan joined us as Festival Patron in 2023, to help share and celebrate the incredible landscape of Australian literature – fiction, non-fiction, and everything in between.
“It’s an interesting journey for a bloke who only read his first book at age twenty-five arriving as a Patron of the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival a number of years later,” Bryan said. “The places and ideas that writers take us to widens our humanness. How lucky are we.”
We are honoured to have the support of such an iconic voice in Australian storytelling.
FESTIVAL 2025 | 6 - 8 June
Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is a cavalcade of stories, new ideas and unique voices unfolding in the heart of Bellingen – all set against the naturally beautiful, culturally rich backdrop of traditional Gumbaynggirr land.
The Bellingen Shire is a renown creative hub for artists, writers and musicians. Every June long weekend, our festival sees the region unite in celebration of literature, conversation, performance and, of course, reading.
As one of the longest-running festivals on the mid-north coast, we are proud to welcome authors and audiences from all over the country to share stories in our UNESCO World Heritage-listed corner of the globe.
Each year we welcome a growing list of established and emerging authors plus special guests to our unique, quirky town, with a big dose of the intimacy and hospitality only found in a regional festival.
2024 was a huge success, and 2025 is shaping up to be even better.
WHY WRITERS LOVE OUR FESTIVAL
“What a pleasure to be part of your wonderfully inspiring festival. So many conversations ignited, ideas shared, issues challenged, people moved and motivated. I had the best time and would love to come again.” Costa Georgiadis
“I had an amazing time, rather dream-like for me to look out into the audience and see old friends who live a long way from Bellingen”. Peter Carey
“It’s a beautiful, nurturing experience, in a stunning part of regional NSW. A very personal, relaxed festival.” Tracey Spicer
“Great programming, stimulating discussions both on stage and off it. All of the authors I spoke with had an excellent time at Bellingen. Please have us back!” Siang Lu
“Bellingen puts on a great festival …. a wonderful selection of authors and panel topics, plus a really engaged audience. The organisation was brilliant, the volunteers wonderful, the bookshop delightful and so supportive, great readers and writers to mix with, a fabulous festival.” Catherine McKinnon.
“If you are invited – ACCEPT! With alacrity! Don’t miss it!”. Bruce Wolpe
“The program was well thought out and really embraced the diversity of literature in Australia”. Akuch Kuol Anyieth
“What a gorgeous time! Thank you all for a wonderful festival, beautiful connections, generous hospitality and fascinating conversations … (and delicious food!) Heather Rose
“One of the most organised, friendly and respectful events I’ve ever attended.” Rebecca Timmis (Schools Program)
