Literary festival a best seller
IN ONLY its second outing the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival has proven a runaway success, attracting hundreds of people to the town for an illuminating literary weekend.
Highlights over the weekend included children's author, Morris Gleitzman who kept the kids amused during the special schools program where local school students got to ask him some questions as well as get their books signed.
Morris was also on hand to present Aron Oroszvari with his prize for winning the Shopfronts Shorts Youth Writing Competition with his short story "Storm Cloud Baptism".
ABC presenter Richard Glover lived up to his funny man reputation, explaining 'why men are necessary' to a packed out Memorial Hall.
While the Literary Lunch with Robert Drewe at the Old Butter Factory was a gastronomical and literary affair with diners enjoying a two course meal and stories from one of Australia's best loved authors.
Friday night's sold out Bello Poetry Slam hosted by MC Elizabeth Routledge, and the packed out Saturday Night Live session were other standouts over the weekend.
Thanks to fine weather outdoor activities such as Claire Dunn's weaving stories and 'Paddle with a Poet' were also well supported.
Festival director John Bennett said the feedback from the writers and readers was all positive.
"Some writers told me that it was the most enjoyable festival they had taken part in" John said.
"Many said they'd spread the word about this new festival, only in its second year, through the literary community.
"All our volunteers in particular should be very proud of what they have contributed to and what they have achieved."
