Bathurst Writer's and Readers Festival 2025

The Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival returns this May, proudly celebrating a decade of storytelling, big ideas, and unforgettable conversations.

Running from Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 May, the much-loved Festival will feature five days of author talks, live-streamed sessions from the Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF), and exciting local events at Bathurst Library and the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC).

The much-loved Great Festival Read returns, bringing Bathurst readers together to enjoy the same book ahead of the Festival. This year’s pick is Purple Threads by Wiradjuri author Dr Jeanine Leane — a heartfelt, humorous and powerful story about growing up with two unforgettable Aunties on a sheep farm near Gundagai. We’re honoured to welcome Dr Jeanine Leane in-conversation with women leaders In our community. Copies of Purple Threads are available now at BooksPlus and Bathurst Library.

Jeanine Leane is a Wiradjuri writer, poet, essayist and critic from south-west NSW.

She was the recipient of the David Unaipon Award for her first novel Purple Threads; and her latest book, the poetry collection Gawimarra: Gathering, recently won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Prize for Poetry.

Readers and local book groups are invited to read the book prior to the Festival and participate in the Great Festival Read session to hear a panel discussion, after which the author will appear in-conversation. The Great Festival Read session time and details will be announced in the Festival Program, released in April. Copies of Purple Threads are available from BooksPlus and Bathurst Library.

To purchase a ticket to a single session call our Box Office on 6333 6161 or pop-in and see one of the team.

To Purchase a Day Pass – Please CLICK HERE or on each event page and select the day that you wish to purchase a pass for, call our Box Office on 6333 6161 or pop-in and see one of the team.

To purchase a Festival Pass – Please pop-in to the BMEC box office, or call our team on 6333 6161