The Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival returns from Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 May 2026, marking its 11th year as a much‑loved celebration of storytelling, big ideas and lively conversation.
Across six inspiring days, the Festival brings together readers, writers and thinkers for a dynamic program of talks, panels, workshops and performances. With a mix of in‑person events and live‑streamed sessions from the Sydney Writers’ Festival, the 2026 program offers something for readers of all ages and interests, with events held at Bathurst Library and the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
This year’s program includes live‑streamed appearances from major literary figures such as Stephanie Alexander, David Szalay, Trent Dalton and Roddy Doyle, alongside a strong lineup of local and visiting authors.
Program highlights include the “Great Festival Read”, featuring Soft Serve by George Kemp, followed by a panel discussion and an in‑conversation session with the author. Poets and storytellers are invited to take the stage at the “Bx Poetry Slam”, hosted by NSW Australian Poetry Slam finalists Alice and Tiph, while poetry lovers can also take part in “Ekphrasis: Writing About Art”, a workshop led by Gabrielle Journey Jones.
Award‑winning author and illustrator Sami Bayly will present an “Interactive Illustration Workshop” for schools, as well as a “Watercolour Illustration” workshop for ages 16+.
Author conversations include “Crime and Conspiracy: Desperation in a Dying Landscape”, with Michael Brissenden discussing his novel Dust, and “Romantasy”, in which Lily Crozier explores gothic romance, vampires, and cursed heroes.
Contemporary issues are explored in sessions, including “Better Things Are Possible” with Jack Toohey exploring pathways to a fairer, more sustainable Australia, and the panel “High Anxiety: Writing in the Age of Uncertainty” brings together Donna Cameron, Sonya Voumard and Kim Kelly to examine how writing responds to a world under pressure.
A major Festival highlight is “Standing Tall with Bob Brown”, with the environmentalist and former Greens leader reflecting on nature, activism and resilience, alongside a screening of The Giants is a poetic, cinematic portrait of Bob Brown intertwined with the life of the trees.
Tickets on sale from Monday, 20th April, and the full program is available at bmec.com.au or via the BMEC Box Office on (02) 6333 6161.
Printed programs are available from Bathurst Library, Bake, Table and Tea, and BooksPlus.
