Now in its 19^th year, Byron Bay Writers Festival is bringing together politicians, novelists, historians, journalists, biographers, poets, memoirists, comedians and songwriters to celebrate literature and ideas. This year, the event features a program of over 160 sessions that are designed to challenge, entertain, inform and inspire. Catch former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in conversation with Clare Wright, be inspired by Nigerian writer Chigozie Obioma, whose debut novel The Fishermen has received praises from across the literary world, discover new voices in the ’30 Minutes with …’ and be thoroughly entertained with Beccy Cole’s The Cowgirl and the Showgirl. You can also catch the winner of the 2015 Miles Franklin Literary Award, Sofie Laguna participating in various sessions throughout the weekend but before you do, have a read of our chat with the lady herself.

If you prefer your intellectual discussions with a side of delicious food, head along to one of the literary food events including Life Lines: The Enigma of Adam Cullen, A Passion for Truth with Kate McClymont and Let’s Eat: Celebrating Film, Food and Family with Margaret Pomeranz and Philippa Whitfield Pomeranz. Take a look at the whole program of events or skip right over and grab yourself a three-day pass. There are single day passes as well as individual ticketed events if you can’t make the whole three days.