IF ONLY we all were lucky enough to score a ticket to see Bryan Brown and Sam Neill at the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival over the long weekend.
With such big drawcards, it was no wonder their Saturday night on-stage conversation with ABC journalist Virginia Trioli was an early sell-out.
But Brown, who’s the festival patron, and his acting ”bestie” Neill, were generous with their appearances – and in good company.
A stellar line-up of writers and commentators graced the main stage and fringe events between 6-8 June, with the festival called in equal parts “fantastic” and “phenomenal”.
Mayor Steve Allan congratulated the organisers and volunteers for showcasing Bellingen “at its best”.
“The town has been buzzing with people eating, drinking, enjoying the sunshine at the Fringe, and discussing whichever sessions they have been to,” he shared.
“Some inspired laughter; others, even some tears.
“Many were thought provoking and many more inspirational and encouraging for any budding writers in the audience.”
Journalists were well-represented with press freedom fighter Peter Greste a stand-out guest.
The former foreign correspondent turned Journalism Professor spoke about his unjust jailing in Egypt for doing his job, and how it inspired the currently-screening movie The Correspondent starring Richard Roxburgh.
As part of a panel of local reporters, News Of The Area Group Editor Doug Connor also discussed the state of the media as well as journalism on the Mid North Coast.
At the temporary store set up by The Book Warehouse, long queues formed, with readers clearly relishing the chance to chat to writers.
Staff member Maria Rivas told News Of The Area that the festival was “amazing” and “the best year yet”.
After hours, lucky locals were treated to some unscheduled appearances, including around the bar at the Bellingen Brewing Co.
Even as one of the festival’s sponsors, and being accustomed to the limelight, the brewery’s co-owner Nick Boshier was starstruck.
“What an absolute pleasure to have living legend, actor and author Bryan Brown, the absolutely incredible author, columnist, journalist, playwright and comic performer, Wendy Harmer, the award-winning historian, author, broadcaster, podcaster and public commentator Clare Wright OAM and inspiring journalist, academic and media freedom activist Peter Greste at the Brewery.”
And all tucking into a locally made pizza.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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