Ticketing

  • No, we recommend that you purchase tickets online as soon as the program has been released to avoid disappointment should a session sell out quickly.

  • Tickets are non-refundable except in cases where a festival session is cancelled.

    In lieu of a cancelled session refund, you may exchange your ticket for another session (if seating is available) by visiting the Ticket Office in the Bellingen Memorial Hall in person up to four hours before the session start time.

    Refunds will not be provided for dissatisfaction with the event, artist performance, or any other subjective reasons, including change of mind.

    Please read the TICKET REFUND POLICY for full information.

  • Tickets are available from the ticket office in the Bellingen Memorial Hall during festival hours only.

    Note: We only accept cards/EFTPOS, not cash.

  • Concession tickets are available to all valid concession card holders including full-time students up to age 18, Seniors Card holders, Health Care Card holders and Pensioners Concession Card Holders.

    You will be required to show proof of eligibility when purchasing a ticket.

    Please make sure you have your concession card with you when you arrive at the venue as you may be required to show proof of eligibility when entering the venue.

  • Yes.   You get 5% off the total order price if you buy three or more tickets at the same time,  10% if you buy six or more, 15% off if you buy ten or more.

  • Once the full festival program for 2025 is released, you can then book sessions from the PROGRAM & TICKETS page.

     

  • Yes, dates for Early Bird tickets will be announced early in 2025.

  • Ticket sale dates will be officially announced via newsletter and social media early in 2025.

    Tickets for the Poetry Slam are expected to go on sale in March 2025.

    Tickets for the main festival are expected to go on sale in April 2025.

  • The festival commences on the evening of 6th June with the Poetry Slam and finishes on Sunday evening 8th June 2025.

    The main festival venue is the Memorial Hall, Hyde Street, Bellingen.

General Information

  • The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival relies on its enthusiastic volunteer workforce.

    More information about volunteering can be found on our VOLUNTEERING page.

     

  • During the festival, any lost property is is taken to the Ticket Office in the Memorial Hall.

    After the festival has concluded.  If you find you’ve lost an item, please email info@bellingenwritersfestival.com.au and include the following details:
    • What did you lose?
    • Where did you lose it?
    • What event were you attending?
    • Anything else that might help locate your property?

  • The Memorial Hall and The Studio are wheelchair accessible.

    Please make yourself known to a volunteer and you will be ushered accordingly.

  • Limited disabled parking is available in the carpark behind the Memorial Hall. Please have your sticker on display.

  • Yes.  Some food vendors will be at Maam Gaduying park opposite the Memorial Hall.

    Please check out our STAY, EAT & SHOP page for a listing of some of the many splendid cafés, restaurants and food outlets on offer just a short walk away.

     

  • Yes, you can! The Book Warehouse is the official bookseller for the festival and will have a pop-up shop in St Andrews Church Hall (cnr Hyde & Ford Streets), next to the Memorial Hall and opposite the Maam Gaduying park.

    Book signings will take place in the Book Warehouse festival shop located in St Andrew Church Hall, directly following a speaking event in the Memorial Hall or The Studio.

  • Yes, free events will be held in the Maam Gaduying Park opposite the Memorial Hall.   The free events will consist of local author talks, youth events and children’s events.

  • Once the program has been announced printed programs are available at the Book Warehouse, Coffs Harbour.

    Programs are also available at the libraries and information centres in Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Urunga, Nambucca and Macksville, as well as various cafés and shops in Bellingen, Valla and Coffs Harbour. You can also pick up printed programs at the Ticket Office during the festival weekend.

    Please note, our printed program is subject to last-minute changes. For all up-to-date information, please refer to the PROGRAM page on this website.

     

  • Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival emphasises celebrating Australian writers and storytellers, although many of these writers will also be well known internationally.

    Our lineup may include international guests, but our philosophy is to ensure Australian writing is the core of our program.

  • No! The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is all about words and ideas – perfect for all readers, writers and thinkers.  Most people come to listen to contemporary writers, engage with new ideas and fall in love with new books.

  • The program will be released on our website in 2025, and will include all festival sessions & live-streamed events.

    For more information, author announcements and ticket release updates, please subscribe to our NEWSLETTER.