PADDLES with poets, love letters in the rainforest and conversations with journalists - there's something for everyone at this weekend's Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival.

The four days of talks, panels, workshops, entertainment, book signings and outdoor tours kicks off on Friday and already tickets to popular events such as the Poetry Slam are close to selling out.

Festival director Brian Purcell said the program will again challenge and encourage debate in the reflective and casual atmosphere that Bellingen is known for, with sessions on a range of topical issues including panels on Human vs Nature and on Mass Media and conversations with authors Alex Miller and Kristina Olsson.

"This is the festival's fourth year, it really works as a symposium to bring together readers and writers across a spectrum of topics," Brian said.

"The festival guests are really inspirational and informed, they're certain to create challenges in thinking and kick-start motivation.

"However, the weekend is about more than just the business of writing, it's also for the love of the art of words and a chance to meet face to face in this digitised world.

"It's a celebration of all things literary and thus many of the events are purely for pleasure.

The Bellingen festival also incorporates workshops for Coffs Coast region schools with primary and high school children to be tutored by iconic authors such as Nadia Wheatley and Isobelle Carmody.

With more than 30 events across the weekend, there is something for everyone.

For more info click here or phone 02 6655 1140.