Successful Slam a Standout!

"The weekend (of the inaugural Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival) had many highlights but a standout moment was Friday night's poetry slam, which saw more than 300 (actually it was more like half that!)pack into the local bowling club to watch performances by poets from near and far. 'There is a real appetite to see this page to stage with poetry ... the high energy of the performances was really exciting'" Coffs Coast Advocate, April 11.

"That evening a huge crowd attended the Bellingen Bowling Club for the region's first ever Poetry Slam. Over 200 people packed the club to see local and regional poets and performers take to the stage... the winners of the event reprised their brilliant performances at Saturday night Live in the Memorial hall, where festival guest authors showed off their multiple talents as musicians and performers" The Courier Sun, April 13.

Congratulations to finalists Robin Archbold, Darkwing Dub, Brian Hawkins, Craig Nelson and John Moyes. Also fantastic that there were young and younger contenders for the prize... Ran MC, Aron, Emilie and Crystal.... special mention to Sean, passing through town via Melbourne and Tassie, his love poem received aawws and sighs!We had visitors from Nimbin and Queensland. It really was a fantastic night of entertainment! Well done Bello Bards including Cherie, Kaye, Steve, Peter, Fiona and Will!