Primary Schools Day
Join us for the renowned Primary School Sessions & Book Fair at Byron Writers Festival, held at the festival site in Bangalow.
Featuring Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin, comedian and children’s author Peter Helliar, and celebrated poet Maxine Beneba Clarke.
These popular educational events showcase some of Australia’s most beloved children’s authors to foster a passion for reading and writing – and to produce the writers of the future.
Students will enjoy their own Byron Writers Festival experience, with learning resources made available, books available to buy, as well as food and drink options.
Learn among the trees at the Bangalow Showground for Byron Writers Festival’s Primary School Sessions, tailored for primary school students of any grade level.
Book fair and author signings presented by The Book Room Collective.
Pricing
Students – $18 per student
Teachers – free (1 per 10 students)
Additional Adults/Parents – $25
Registration & payment timeline
30 April – Registrations open
18 June – Registrations close & schools invoiced
4 July – Final payments due
Register now, pay later! Detailed information will be sent to schools after registration.
Schedule—Primary Schools Day
Wednesday 6 August, Bangalow Showground
| 09:30am – 10:30am | Arrive at the Festival, please ensure your buses arrive during these times to reduce traffic congestion |
| 10:00am – 11:00am | Book Fair and Sculpture Walk (self-guided) |
| 11:00am – 11:30am | First Session |
| 11:30am – 11:45am | Break |
| 11:45am – 12:15pm | Second Session |
| 12:15pm – 12:45pm | Lunch Break |
| 12:45pm – 1:15pm | Third Session |
| 1:15pm – 1:45pm | Book Signing |
| 1:45pm | Buses Depart |
Meet the authors
Sally Rippin
Sally Rippin is the current Australian Children’s Laureate. She has written over 100 books for children and young adults, many of them award-winning. Beloved across the globe, her stories have sold more than ten million copies in eighteen countries. Her most popular series include Billie B Brown, Hey Jack! and School of Monsters. Her most recent books are A Birthday Wish for Bee and Billie B Brown: A Dog to Keep. A mum of three boys, Sally is particularly passionate about advocacy for kids who may have ADHD, Dyslexia or learning challenges.
Peter Helliar
Australia’s favourite comedian, Pete Helliar, is known for channelling his quintessential sharp wit and endearing charm into the stories he creates. As the author of the much-loved children’s book Herman Crab and series Frankie Fish, Pete has embarked on a new and exciting chapter with the release of his new series, Detective Galileo.
Maxine Beneba Clarke
Maxine is the author of over 15 books for children and adults, including the ABIA and Indie Award-winning short fiction collection Foreign Soil, the bestselling memoir The Hate Race, and the critically acclaimed poetry collections Carrying the World, How Decent Folk Behave, It’s the Sound of the Thing: 100 new poems for young people, and Stuff I’m Not Sorry For: 99 poems for young people. She is currently the inaugural Poet in Residence at The University of Melbourne.
Key Information
- Gates open at 9am
- On-site bus parking available (weather permitting)
- Dedicated seating, students will remain in the same marquee for all sessions
- No supervision provided by festival staff, teachers are responsible for their group
- Authors available for book signings and books are available for purchase from the book shop
- Food and beverages available for purchase, however we suggest you have the children pack snacks
- Stay hydrated with our free water station; bring your bottle!
Byron Writers Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW