Kids Big Day Out
Kids Big Day Out returns to the Lilly Pilly marquee with a stellar line-up of stories and music. A perfect outing for the whole family, kids can also get involved with interactive sessions in our workshop space at The Coolamon.
If you are a kid who loves books, then Byron Writers Festival’s Kids Big Day Out is the ultimate event for you!
On Sunday 11 August the Lilly Pilly marquee transforms into a giant immersive storytelling arena where authors and illustrators take to the stage to entertain, inspire and delight. These interactive presentations are extremely popular entertainment for kids and parents alike.
As well as the action onstage, kids can explore the StoryBoard space at The Coolamon where our famous StoryBoard bus and tipi village comes alive with free drop-in workshops for aspiring young writers and illustrators.
Check out the program schedule below.
Kids Big Day Out Pass: $55 (1 child + 1 adult), $20 for each additional child
Includes one child 6-12 years old and one accompanying adult. Children gain access to the Kids Big Day Out venues only and must be accompanied by at least one adult at all times. Children under 6 are free.
Kids Big Day Out Program at Lilly Pilly Marquee
Ella Noah Bancroft
9.00 — 9.30am
Ella Noah Bancroft is a Proud Bundjalung woman, artist, author, and mentor. Ella will discuss the inspiration of her family in her work – including Sun and Moon, written by Ella and illustrated by her mother, Bronwyn Bancroft.
Kate & Jol Temple
9.30 — 10.00am
From Bin Chickens to fearless frogs that are ready to save the world Kate and Jol have created hilarious animal characters to fill their books. What inspired these silly characters? What do they have to tell us? And why do Kate and Jol have the worlds’ largest pair of undies? And how can they be used to defeat an organisation of evil toads! Come and join the fun.
Peter Carnavas
10.00 — 10.30am
In this workshop author and illustrator Peter Carnavas will share his top drawing tips to help children create memorable characters, including people, animals and aliens. It’s easy – just circles, lines and dots!
Matt Stanton
10.30 — 11.00am
Matt Stanton is a bestselling and award-winning children’s author/illustrator who has sold more than one million books in Australia. He will be discussing his new series Fluff, about an imaginary giant fluffy bunny with ATTITUDE!
Nova Weetman
11.00 — 11.30am
Award-winning author Nova Weetman has published 19 books for children and young adults, including Sick Bay and The Jammer. Explore characters from these beloved novels and join Nova in creating a character live.
Bob Brown
11.30am — 12.00pm
Bob Brown – environmentalist, former Parliamentarian, and author – says there is a new revolution in the air and young people are the hope of the Earth. His motto: ‘Don’t get depressed, get active!’ In this special session for young people, Bob will be sharing stories of beautiful Tasmanian animals.
Student Writing Prizes
12.00pm — 12.30pm
Prize presentations for the Susie Warrick Young Writers Award and The Jesse Blackadder prize, and readings of the winning stories.
Zanni Louise
Kids Big Day Out is hosted by Zanni Louise
Zanni Louise is an internationally published author of over 40 kids’ books. Her latest release is Cora Seen and Heard.
Kids Big Day Out Storytime & Workshops at The Coolamon
Cheryl Leavy
9.00 — 9.30am
Award-winning writer Cheryl Leavy will present an interactive session for young readers and storytellers, featuring a reading of her beautiful picture book Yanga Mother. Written in Kooma and English, Yanga Mother is about a grey kangaroo and her joey, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Children will be invited to create their own books.
Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse
9.30am — 10.00am
Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse, known on YouTube as Miss Nicky Says, celebrates her Māori culture, language, and heritage through song. Her debut picture book is Because I’m Māori. This fun session will feature an introduction to Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) through song.
Megan Daley
10.00am — 10.45am
Megan Daley is a Teacher Librarian, bestselling author, speaker, and co-host of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast, who inspires a lifelong love of reading. Her latest book, The Beehive, celebrates the role of bees in our local environment.
Peter Carnavas
11.00am — 11.45am
In this workshop, children will learn top drawing tips to create memorable characters, including people, animals and aliens. It’s easy – just circles, lines and dots!