Explore the 2026 Program

Refund and exchange policy

Refund and exchange policy

REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES  

At the Sydney Writers’ Festival we strive to provide excellent customer service and ensure a positive experience for all our patrons. To that end, we have established the following Ticket Refund Policy to address ticket-related matters. Please carefully review the terms outlined below:  

Refunds:

a. General Refund Policy:  

  • Tickets are non-refundable except in cases where an event is cancelled or rescheduled, or there is a major change to the event.  

  • Refunds will only be issued to the original purchaser of the ticket.  

b. Event Cancellation:  

  • In the unlikely event of a cancellation, patrons will be notified promptly, and a full refund will be processed automatically.  

  • Refunds will be less any booking fees or charges unless required as per the LPA Code or Australian Consumer Law.  

  • If possible, we may offer the option to transfer the ticket value to a rescheduled date or apply it to a gift voucher to use for future events. 

  

c. Event Rescheduling:  

  • If an event is rescheduled, ticket holders will be informed about the new date and time.  

  • Patrons unable to attend the rescheduled event may request a refund. Refund requests must be submitted prior to the date of the rescheduled event.  

d. Event Postponement:  

  • In case of event postponement without a confirmed rescheduled date, tickets will remain valid for the new date.  

  • Patrons unable to attend the rescheduled event once announced may request a refund prior to the date of the rescheduled event.  

e. Event Disruption:  

  • In the case of an event disruption causing an event to end early, ticket holders will be refunded if less than two thirds of the event has passed. If two thirds of the event has taken place, no refunds will be provided.  

f. Refund Request Process:  

  • Refund requests must be submitted by emailing [email protected] or calling on 02 9256 4200.  

  • Provide the order number, the name of the event, and the reason for the refund request.  

  • Refund requests will be processed within three (3) business days.  

  • Where refunds are granted, they will be made to the card or account from which the original purchase was made. Refunds will be less any booking fees or charges unless we are otherwise required to refund these in accordance with the LPA Code or Australian Consumer Law.  

g. Refund Exceptions:  

  • No refunds will be issued for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed tickets.  

  • Refunds will not be provided for dissatisfaction with the event, artist performance, or any other subjective reasons.  

  • Refund requests must be submitted prior to the event commencing. 

h. Account Credit:

  • Account credit previously has been available for customers in lieu of a refund, Gift Voucher, or donation. As of 2026, this is no longer available.

  • Any customers that have credit on their account have until it is 12 months old to use it for any upcoming events. After this time, the credit expires.

  • Customers will receive notice of their deadline to give them time to look at our upcoming events.

  • Credit that expires is processed as a donation to Sydney Writers’ Festival and the customer receives a receipt for their Tax-Deductible donation.

  • In extenuating circumstances, credit will still be used for a customer if determined it is the best option by the Ticketing and Customer Service Manager.

Ticket Exchange Policy 

Customers may exchange their tickets from one event to another where certain conditions are met: 

  • The ticket exchange request is emailed through to [email protected] at least 48 hours before the new event and the current event or requested in person at the Box Office with the same timing guidelines. 

  • There must be a seat available in the new event for the customer. 

  • The event the customer is requesting to exchange from must not have already occurred. 

  • If the new ticket price is greater than the original price, the customer will pay the difference 

  • If the new ticket price is lower than the original price, the customer may receive the difference on a gift voucher (valid for 3 years) or donate the difference to the festival. 

 

Policy Amendments:  

  • Sydney Writers’ Festival reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website.  

Updated February 2026