What happens when you grow up deeply religious… and then walk away?
And Also With You is a funny, thoughtful and deeply personal storytelling show from Simon Vaughan, exploring faith, identity and everything in between. From youth group camps to big life questions, it’s a journey many will recognise - whether you grew up in the church or just wondered what it’s all about.
Honest, nostalgic and surprisingly hilarious, this is “a church service without the boring bits.”
🎟️ bmec.com.au/whats-on/and-also-with-you/
⏰Saturday June 13 at 7:30pm
High Anxiety: Writing in The Age Of Uncertainty - with Kim Kelly, Donna Cameron and Sonya Voumard
In anxious times, three brilliant writers share how they’ve turned worry, fear and vulnerability into powerful stories.
From climate fiction and panic attacks to living with a movement disorder, this thought-provoking panel explores how writing can help us make sense of uncertainty - and maybe even find a little hope in it.
A timely, honest and deeply moving conversation for readers who want books that go beyond the page.
📍Live in-person event at BMEC
🎫 bmec.com.au/whats-on/high-anxiety-writing-in-the-age-of-uncertainty/
🌿 WALUMARRA NGURAMBANG (PROTECT COUNTRY)
As part of BWRF 2026, join Wiradyuri Elders and Knowledge Holders for a powerful live conversation grounded in Country, culture and community.
This is an opportunity to listen, reflect and deepen your understanding of Wiradyuri connections to land and water, and the shared responsibility of caring for Country across generations.
Through story and insight, this session invites audiences to see Country as a living, relational presence - and consider what that means today.
📍 In-person event at BMEC
🎟 Free event – register here bmec.com.au/whats-on/caring-for-country/
Shakespeare’s Othello comes to life in a gripping, star-studded production featuring David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin FitzGerald - captured live from London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Dark, intense and visually stunning, this acclaimed production explores jealousy, power and betrayal with unforgettable force.
📅 Sunday 31 May
🎟 bmec.com.au/whats-on/othello/
Part of our Live on Screen programme bringing the best of global theatre, cinema and performance to Bathurst.
📚 Great Books You Might Have Missed
Back by popular demand at BWRF 2026, this lively session is a must for book lovers.
Hear about some of the best reads you may have missed, along with a few exciting books coming soon. It’s a fun, fast-paced way to discover your next favourite read.
📍 Live in person at BMEC
🎫bmec.com.au/whats-on/great-books-you-might-have-missed/
Step into a haunting rural thriller at BWRF 2026.
Join bestselling author Michael Brissenden as he unpacks Dust - a gripping crime story set in a dying lakeside town where a body on the cracked lakebed uncovers secrets that refuse to stay buried.
In conversation with local author Paul Stafford, this live session explores corruption, identity and the dark edge of survival when everything is on the brink.
If you love atmospheric crime, small-town secrets and stories that keep you guessing - this one’s for you.
📍 Live in-person session at BMEC
🎟 bmec.com.au/whats-on/crime-and-conspiracy-desperation-in-a-dying-landscape/
Step into a world of cursed royalty, dark magic and slow-burn obsession at BWRF 2026.
Join debut author Lily Crozier as she dives into Vow of Eternal Night - a gothic “Beauty & the Beast” retelling featuring a brooding vampire prince and the captive bride determined to break his curse… no matter the cost 🖤
In conversation with Megan White, this live session explores vampire lore, morally complex characters and the irresistible pull of dark romance.
Perfect for fans of romantasy, gothic vibes and love stories with bite 🩸
📍 Live in-person session at BMEC
🎟 bmec.com.au/whats-on/romantasy-lily-crozier-in-conversation/
Join us as we officially launch the 2026 Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival 🎉
Be part of a powerful opening evening at BMEC, beginning with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, followed by an inspiring conversation with Jack Toohey.
🕔 Event schedule:
5:00pm – Smoking Ceremony (outside BMEC)
5:15pm – Welcome to Country (Foyer)
5:45pm – Jack Toohey: Better Things Are Possible
In a time of housing challenges, climate concerns and growing disconnection, Jack Toohey brings a message we all need - that a better, fairer future is still within reach.
Known for his viral storytelling and ability to break down complex issues, Jack joins local journalist and Bathurst Councillor Jac Underwood for a thought-provoking conversation about hope, action and what comes next.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now- don’t miss this standout opening event. .au/.../jack-toohey-better-things-are.../
HE'S COMING TO BMEC... AND HE NEEDS YOUR HELP! 🐖🐑🚜👩🌾
Spot is heading to BMEC on Friday 22 May and he’s on a mission to find all the missing farm animals… Can you help him?
Based on the beloved books by Eric Hill, Spot is a joyful, interactive theatre experience for the whole family — full of laughter, surprises and plenty of fun.
Perfect for ages 18 months+ (and their grown-ups!) 🥳🤩
Spot
Friday 22 May 2026
Book now: .au/whats-on/spot/
#BMEC #BathurstEvents #FamilyFun #SpotLive #WhatsOnBathurs
BMEC Local Stages is delighted to share that Oakkie has been shortlisted for the 26th Patrick White Playwrights Award for Ama & Nana 👏🎉
BMEC Local Stages has supported the creative development of this work with @arbourtheatrecompany alongside @artsoutwest , @regionalartsnsw and dramaturge Kate Smith.
Ama & Nana follows two unlikely women - Nana, a fierce populist, and Ama, a reclusive Chinese Australian immigrant -brought together by fate (and a brown snake). What unfolds is a cross-country journey that proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Special thanks to @rubyrad@katesmithyoga@cathrmac@susanlingyoung@jude.bowler@calzanator and Carolyn Eccles for an incredible development fortnight last year ... clearly it worked!
This project is supported by the NSW Government through @creatensw
This weekend, the groove is on at BMEC!
Join us from 15–17 May for Big Band Blast 2026!
Three incredible days of live jazz, big band energy and powerhouse performances right here in Bathurst. 🎺🎶
Friday kicks off with the Opening Night Concert, Saturday brings the Gala Concert, and Sunday wraps up with the Student Showcase featuring big bands from across NSW.
Tickets for all three events are available on our website or you can pop into the box office + give the lovely team a call to book over the phone 🤩
As part of the Bathurst Writers' and Readers' Festival 2026, we’re bringing the Sydney Writers’ Festival straight to Bathurst streaming LIVE to our screens at The Bathurst Library and BMEC.
Each year, Sydney Writers’ Festival gathers some of the world’s most exciting thinkers, storytellers and creative voices - from novelists and journalists to scientists, podcasters and public intellectuals for a bold, thought-provoking celebration of ideas.
Now, you don’t have to travel to Sydney to be part of it.
We’re sharing a curated selection of these incredible sessions live, giving our local community access to conversations that explore the issues shaping our world today - alongside powerful storytelling from Australian and international writers.
Join us at The Library & BMEC to experience the energy of one of Australia’s leading literary festivals, right here in Bathurst. Tickets onsale at .au/event-category-whats-on/bwrf/
