Venue: Byron Bay Beach Resort, Bayshore Drive

Contact Details: www.byronbaywritersfestival.com.au

The Byron Bay Writers Festival 2008 will take place between 25 and 27 July, so clear your diaries! We will bring you our selection of the most vivid and vibrant Australian writers in a comprehensive program of launches, lunches, conversations, readings and panels, with glorious helpings of theatre, comedy and music to satisfy the soul.
In 2008 the Festival celebrates the diversity of Australian publishing by inviting many of the newest voices to centre stage. Within the program you will find first time writers rubbing shoulders with their well established peers and we promise you a wealth of wonderful new books.
Among several firsts at this year's event you will find the Soapbox Orator, an area where people are invited to air their views in the grand tradition of the Domain. You can also explore Lismore's Living Library, where people may be "borrowed" for a dialogue covering a vast range of topics.
Another keenly anticipated first will be the Writers' Cabaret, where authors turn into performers. Come and see wordsmiths dazzle with song, dance, comedy and rap.

Venue: Byron Bay Cinema's

Contact Details: NORPA 6622 0300 www.norpa.org.au

ReelDance International Dance on Screen Festival 2008 is the 5th biennial festival since 2000. The ReelDance Festival celebrates the point where dance and film meet, showcasing the best of recent work from around the world and across the country.

The 2008 program focuses on dance and movement in everyday life with styles ranging from ballroom to flamenco and from hip hop to parkour. In choosing this theme, the 2008 ReelDance Festival aims to represent dance in all its forms and highlight how often it touches and enhances our everyday lives. At the same time, the festival continues to represent the best of dance as a performing art in the most recent and cutting edge dancefilms.

Venue: The Channon market ground/sports oval

Contact Details: Enquiries and bookings via Westpac Life Saver Rscue Helicopter 02 6627 4444 (business hours) or book online at www.helirescue.com.au/events

The Rotary Clubs of Lismore and Lismore Central Inc. proudly present Opera at The Channon, a wonderful, elegant social occasion whether or not you're an opera buff. Enjoy a silver service lunch or take your own picnic, followed by:

An afternoon of fine music with selections from famous operas and musicals performed by some of Australia's best young operatic talent.

Early Bird discount for tickets paid fo prior to 3pm Friday 13 June 2008.
The proceeds for this event will assist Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and Combined Rotary Charities.

Venue: Byron Bay Community Centre

Contact Details: Byron Bay Community Centre 6685 6807 www.byroncentre.com.au

Presented by the Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest 18th International Short Film Festival and the IQ Arts & Eco Centre Byron Bay. Thirteen indigenous short films from Australia's most exciting new indigenous filmmakers. The program is 75 minutes long and rated PG with refreshments available afterwards.

Venue: Byron Bay Community Centre

Contact Details: Byron Bay Community Centre 6685 6807 www.byroncentre.com.au

Coinciding with International Youth Week, Simon Tedeschi will present a Steinway concert featuring finger-busting rhythms for young and old. As Roving Ambassador for the Australian Children's Music Foundation he has worked a great deal with street kids in Cambodia and is currently residing in the US. Simon has performed for the United Nations, the Dalai Lama and given piano recitals with Slava Grigoryan, Jazz Violinist Ian Cooper and some of the world's top Symphony Orchestras.

Venue: Byron Bay Community Centre

Contact Details: Byron Bay Community Centre 6685 6807 www.byroncentre.com.au

The Toby Wren Trio is performing as part of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium Concert Series 2008.

Venue: Various

Contact Details: Byron Visitor Centre 6680 8558 or the individual activity centres

There are a broad range of activities to do with the kids these school holidays in and around Byron Bay. Some suggestions are listed below. You may like to also search from our 'tours and activities' page. Many of the tours below can be booked at the Byron Visitor Centre.

CINEMAS Byron Cinemas, movie line 6680 8555 The Pighouse Flicks Lounge Cinema, movie line 6685 5828

CIRCUS ARTS 6685 6566 www.circusarts.com.au

HIRE a bike, kayak or beach gear from Cycle & Outdoor Gear. 6680 7066

Go WHALE WATCHING - either from the Lighthouse or on a tour. Phone 1800 243 483, www.byronbaywhalewatching.com.au.

Go for a MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE in one of the beautiful local National Parks. Call Mountain Bike Tours on 1800 122 504, www.mountainbiketours.com.au.

There are several options for KAYAKING - in the Bay to see the Dolphins, or on the river.

TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD 6677 7222 www.tropicalfruitworld.com.au

Go on a VISION WALK - night vision walks where you observe animals through night vision goggles. Call 6687 4237, www.visionwalks.com.

A SPOT OF PAINT Ceramic and Art Studio doing art workshops for kids. Phone 6685 8981.

CRYSTAL CASTLE 6684 3111 www.crystalcastle.com.au

THE MACADAMIA CASTLE 6687 8432 www.macadamiacastle.com.au

THURSDAY PLANTATION 1800 029 000 www.tphealth.com

AMAZE N PLACE 6628 7518 www.amaze-n-place.com.au

BYRON BAY WILDLIFE TOURS 0429 770 686 www.byronbaywildlifetours.com

BYRON BAY'S LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TOURS 0488 778 860 www.lktours.com.au

CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 1300 886 511 www.cws.org.au

CATCH A CRAB RIVER CRUISE 07 5599 9972 www.catchacrab.com.au