Regrettably and with a heavy heart we have made the decision to cancel Byron Writers Festival 2020, which was scheduled to run from 7-9 August. In light of current public health advice regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the cessation of non-essential public gatherings, we have come to this difficult and inevitable choice to protect the health of writers and the entire community.
We believe storytelling, ideas and connection matter more than ever at a time like this and we are reimagining how we might connect writers and thinkers with our audiences this year, including investigating the possibility of a virtual version of the Festival. Watch this space.
We understand this comes as disappointing news to many of you and it goes without saying that the coming months will be incredibly challenging for many of us. The importance of creative gatherings has never been higher so we invite you to save the date for next year’s Byron Writers Festival: 6 – 8 August 2021.
There is much we will need to grieve as we confront the daily reality of this new landscape. We know people are looking for beacons of light and that the power of words can help. Evelyn Araluen was due to be a guest at the Festival this year and has kindly allowed us to share her poem K1: Yellomundee with you (below). She explains that K1: Yellomundee is part of a songline that links many nations throughout NSW.
Stay safe, be well and see you when we next gather again.
Edwina Johnson (Director) and the Byron Writers Festival team
