Literary celebrations will return to the banks of Credau from August 8th to 10th
The much-loved Llangwm Literary Festival has returned this summer with another packed program.
Organizers say they are “excited” to welcome award-winning novelist Sarah Waters back to Pembrokeshire. The acclaimed authors of Fingersmith and Tipping The Velvet grew up in Neyland and attended the Milford Haven Grammar School.
“Sarah is a great role model for anyone wanting to be a writer,” said festival director Michael Pugh. “She has won multiple awards, many more, and we are very excited to see her join us in her hometown county.”
Sarah will be chatting with former teacher Tangai to discuss her bestselling books, the writing process, and how Pembrokeshire has shaped her career.
Also returned is David Wilson, the much-proclaimed man of Llangwm. The book shows the journey from a total paralysis of 18 years old to the incredible life of photographs and family.
Music is an important part of the festival, with the performance of the legendary Bou Heeveldine, who presents things for his new album found in the book, celebrating Scottish singer-songwriter Yvonne Lyon. Boo invites concert participants to bring strangeness and surprises that have been hidden in books for years, from old letters to shopping lists.
There is no shortage of local talent or local talent. Historian Angela John talks about the new biography of Philip Burton, the man who led Richard Burton. Angela, who was a consultant for Burton on the film, promises rare insight into this unique relationship.
Nicola Davis, a child's author and wildlife campaigner, returns with a family-friendly session in whales and wildlife, while Julia Horton Mansfield leads a forged walk along the Cledoau, while John Roach delights his younger readers with a session in his book on Red Dragon.
Titan Titan Colin Thubron takes audiences on their journeys in Russia and Central Asia. “A much safer option than going there,” Pugh jokes, but Ben Aitken, known for his Grand Tour, lifts the lid of England's most unloved town with his swearing new book, Shtty Breaks*.
Aspiring authors also have the opportunity to put pens on paper while writing it during the three-day Ryan workshop. “We want to encourage more people to not only talk about it, but get written,” Pugh said.
This year, the festival offers internship opportunities for students interested in arts and event management.
The Llangwm Literary Festival 2025 will be held from August 8th to 10th. See the complete program.
www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk
