MARNIE CRUICKSHANK
Byron Bay Writer’s Festival concluded yesterday, with organisers declaring it a success.
A highly respected line-up of more than 130 writers congregated to entertain, provoke and debate over the three days.
The major annual literary event, which attracts over 60,000 people, offered panel topics which covered a diverse array of issues including race and class, science and philosophy, and feminism and faith.
High profile public commentators included Peter Fitzsimmons, Laura Tingle, Clementine Ford, and Graeme Innes.
While the talent stole the show, the event would not have been possible without the 200 volunteers who ensured the smooth delivery.
Volunteers ranged in age from 18 to 70 plus, with most returning from previous years participating as part of the organising crew.
For local resident, 21 year-old Eleonore Taylor volunteering for the festival for the second year in a row was a positive experience.
“I really love it, that’s why I came back. It’s a really inviting crew, really well organised”, Ms Taylor said.
This year’s event was also a plastic-free festival, with extra environmental precautions taken to respect the traditional land of the Arakwal Bumberbin people.
For more information about who was at the event, visit the official website here.
