Llansteffan and the surrounding villages have long been a favourite haunt of Welsh literary greats, some of whom have gone on to world wide acclaim. From yesteryear’s Dylan Thomas, Glyn Jones and Lynette Roberts to modern writers and poets like Jon Dressel and Raymond Garlick, the villages of the Llansteffan peninsular have proved an inspiration to a wide variety of literary talents, and still does to the present day.
And now for the first time, after the hard work of a number of local individuals and with the support of many august bodies like the Welsh Book Council, theWelsh Arts Council, and Parthian Books amongst others, the first Literary Festival will be held from June 8th – 11th. Amongst the various exhibitions and readings there will also be writers in residence evident in the village throughout the Festival.
Thursday 8th of June
An exhibition of Literary Legends of Llansteffan will be held in the Ben Harries Institute at 5 p.m. while later Peter Jones will be launching his first book of poetry A Fox in the Yard portraying a number of local residents and places at the Old Pound Gallery at 7 p.m.
Friday 9th of June
12.30 p.m. – Dai Smith (CBE) will be talking about his life and career at Oriel Osi on the Square.
6 p.m. – Old Pound Gallery – India Wales 17 – a collaboration between Welsh and Indian writers.
7.30 p.m. – Memorial Hall – Ugly, Lovely. An illustrated talk by Hilly Janes and Prof. John Goodby featuring the photos that Ethel Ross took of Llansteffan, Swansea and Laugharne in 1953 after the death of her friend Dylan Thomas.
Saturday 10th of June
All aboard the Charabang!!! Booking Essential for this!!! £10.
7 pm – Memorial Hall – A real treat for comedy lovers everywhere – Boyd Clack the writer of, and actor in many of Wales’ best and funniest TV and feature films. – Satellite City, High Hopes , and Twin Town to name only a few of the highlights of his long career.
Sunday 11th of June