Byron Bay Writers Festival 2015 Line-Up

Literary fans will be excited to learn of the star line-up of the Byron Bay Writers Festival due to be held in August of this year.

This year's line-up will feature an eclectic and engaging program featuring some of Australia's most celebrated writers, including a strong selection of international guests. Writers will be gathering to share stories and ideas, as well as engage in debate and discuss on a range of topics in the scenic setting of Byron Bay.

Festival organiser Edwina Johnson says the event is, “shaping up to be a Festival showcasing a line-up of strong, female Australian voices including Helen Garner, Joan London and Kate Grenville, a particular coup was securing former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.”

Coming off the back of her memoir 'My Story', Ms Gillard will be in conversation with award-winning author and historian Clare Wright, candidly discussing her career, legacies and disappointments as Australia's first female Prime Minister.

Helen Garner

Joining the festival line-up will be Helen Garner, a unique and original voice in Australian writing  whose accolades include winning multiple awards including the National Book Council Award in 1978 for her first novel, 'Monkey Grip', the Walkley Award for Best Feature Writing, as well as being an Archibald Prize finalist.

Kate Grenville © Darren James

Also appearing will be one of Australia's best known authors Kate Grenville. She has received multiple awards, including the Australian/Vogel Literary Award for 'Lillian's Story' which was later adapted into a feature length film starring Toni Collette. Grenville was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize for her 2006 novel, 'The Secret River'.

Fans of critically acclaimed writer Joan London will have the chance to attend multiple sessions with the award-winning author. London has won The Age Book Of The Year award for her 1986 collection of short stories entitled 'Sister Ships', as well as being shortlisted for the Stella Prize for her 2014 novel 'The Golden Age'.

Jackie French © Kelly Sturgiss

There will also be great events for children at this year's Byron Bay Writers Festival with the Sunday event, 'Kids Big Day Out' featuring interactive performances for the whole family. Included in the line up will be a number of children's authors such as Australian Children's Laureate, Jackie French, who has written over 140 books and received over 60 national and international awards.

Terry Denton and Andy Griffiths

Joining her will be author of the 'Just!' series Andy Griffiths and acclaimed illustrator Terry Denton.

This year's Byron Bay Writers is shaping up to be a fantastic event for readers and writers alike, celebrating authors and their writings that have captured our minds and imaginations.

The Byron Bay Writers Festival is on 7-9 August. Early Bird Tickets will be on sale from 17 April.