Byron Writers Festival Launches 2025 Sunday Locals Pass
Community invited to experience Byron Writers Festival with special sunday locals pass
In a celebration of local support, the Byron Writers Festival is offering its popular Sunday Locals Pass again this year, giving Northern Rivers residents a chance to experience the festival at a discounted rate. In partnership with First National Byron, the Sunday Locals Pass offers access to the festival on Sunday 10 August for just $99, saving $46 off the standard price. The offer is available exclusively to residents of the Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed council areas.
The initiative is a heartfelt nod to the strong local community that has helped shape the festival into the celebrated event it is today. First National Byron’s CEO and Byron Writers Festival founder, Chris Hanley, says:
Festival Sunday has always been special for the locals. Relaxed, chilled and filled with laughter on the last day, Sunday is the perfect opportunity to experience the festival and get a taste of this wonderful event. Byron Writers Festival has been built and sustained by a passionate local community, so First National Byron is very proud to support the Sunday locals’ tickets for residents of the Northern Rivers
Byron Writers Festival Artistic Director, Jessica Alice, adds:
I'm delighted to invite Northern Rivers locals to join us this August and share in a big celebration of books. Our beautiful community and culture is at the heart of what makes Byron Writers Festival the leading regional writers festival in the country.
The Sunday Locals Pass will be available from 9am on Thursday 5 June and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out. This year’s festival, held at Bangalow Showground from 8–10 August, already boasts an impressive line-up of writers, including Esther Freud (UK), Helen Garner, Joe Aston, Gina Chick, Michelle de Kretser, Hannah Kent, Thomas Mayo, Nardi Simpson and Markus Zusak. With over 150 writers, thinkers and commentators set to appear, the full program will be revealed on 11 June.
Sunday Locals Passes will be available for purchase online at www.byronwritersfestival.com, by phone at 02 6685 5115, or in person at the Byron Writers Festival office.
Key Dates
Thursday, 5 June: Sunday Locals’ Passes on sale
Wednesday, 11 June: Full program announcement – all tickets on sale
8–10 August: Festival Weekend at Bangalow Showground, Bundjalung Country
About Byron Writers Festival
Held on the lands of the Arakwal Bumberbin peoples of the Bundjalung Nation, we pay respect to the traditional owners of this land and acknowledge them as the original storytellers of this region. The annual Byron Writers Festival is Australia's largest and leading regional celebration of storytelling, literature and ideas. The line-up predominantly features Australian writers and thinkers who together share their stories, inspirations and insights. Byron Writers Festival is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and for delivering a diverse program of panels and conversations that celebrate storytelling in all its forms. Byron Writers Festival 2025 will be held at the Bangalow Showground in the hinterland town of Bangalow, 15 minutes from Byron Bay on beautiful Bundjalung Country. Free shuttle buses will be operating daily from Byron Bay.
