Trent Dalton and Geetanjali Shree Lead Byron Writers Festival 30th Anniversary
Trent Dalton
Byron Writers Festival, set to take over Byron Bay from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August, has unveiled its first collection of authors for its 2026 program, alongside a limited release of three-day passes, marking the beginning of a milestone 30th anniversary.
Leading the first announcement is one of Australia's most celebrated storytellers in two-time Walkley Award-winning journalist and international bestselling author Trent Dalton, returning with his latest novel, Gravity Let Me Go.
He will be joined by New Delhi based International Booker Prize-winner Geetanjali Shree, whose novel Tomb of Sand made literary history in 2022 as the first work written in Hindi, or any Indian language, to win the International Booker Prize.
They are joined by Goorie and Koori poet Evelyn Araluen, winner of both the Stella Prize and the Victorian Prize for Literature, whose published works include Dropbear and The Rot; Siang Lu, the Miles Franklin Award winning author of Ghost Cities; and Sydney-born Booker Prize-shortlisted novelist Steve Toltz with his new novel A Rising of The Lights.
Leading the local contingent of authors included in this year's program is Goorie Bundjalung and Miles Franklin Award-winner Melissa Lucashenko, with her new book Not Quite White in the Head, which sees her renowned collection of essays and journalism collectively published together for the first time.
Completing the first lineup announcement is actor and writer Zoe Terakes, whose debut book Eros reimagines ancient Greek myths through a bold, queer lens, and Australian economist, public policy commentator and Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Richard Denniss, with his latest essay More Fool Me: How the Gas Industry Tricked Australia.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026 with a new chapter in the heart of Byron Bay, Byron Writers Festival will unfold across a dynamic, multi-venue precinct throughout the township including the Byron Community Centre and Theatre, creating a town wide literary precinct set to bring writers, readers and thought leaders together across three days.
Festivalgoers can expect a highly accessible and immersive experience, with three-day, single-day and feature event passes offering access to a packed program, book signings and free community activations across iconic venues.
Byron Writers Festival Artistic Director and CEO Jessica Alice said the early program release marks the beginning of a special year for the festival’s 30th anniversary.
“I’m delighted to share a first look at the brilliant authors who will be with us in Byron Bay to mark this milestone year. From prize-winning novelists and poets to leading thinkers, there will be so much to explore and more ways than ever before to experience our beloved festival.”
Now in its 30th year, Byron Writers Festival continues to hold its place as Australia's leading regional literary event, bringing together major Australian voices and international guests to celebrate storytelling across every form and genre in one of the country's most beloved destinations.
Tickets are on sale now, with the full program to be announced in the coming months, including complete venue details, sessions and featured events.
BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL
Friday 14 – Sunday 16 August 2026
Byron Bay / Bundjalung Country
www.byronwritersfestival.com
First Author Announcement:
Trent Dalton - Geetanjali Shree (IND) - Evelyn Araluen - Siang Lu - Steve Toltz - Zoe Terakes - Richard Denniss - Melissa Lucashenko
About Byron Writers Festival:
The annual Byron Writers Festival is Australia's favourite regional celebration of books, storytelling and ideas, presented on beautiful Bundjalung Country. The line-up predominantly features Australian writers and thinkers, alongside international guests, showcasing contemporary literature in all forms and genres. Originally established in 1995 as the Northern Rivers Writers Centre, 2026 will mark the 30th year of the organisation’s flagship festival.
Full author details at www.byronwritersfestival.com