What’s On

The Poetry Can: Bristol Poetry Festival.  Including appearances by robert Minhinnick and Zoe Brigley.  For festival details visit www.poetrycan.co.uk

Clwb y Bont: Writing Workshops with John Evans.  7.30 pm - 10.30 pm on Monday evenings at Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd.  For further details contact Owain Lloyd: 01443 400410 or Clwb y Bont: 01443 491424. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Community University of the Valleys: Creative Writing Taster Session with Patrick Jones. 12.00 pm in Gwent Shopping Centre, Tredegar. For further details contact Matthew Evans: matthew.evans@newport.ac.uk / 01495 722973. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Roald Dahl Day 2008. Academi, in association with Dahl and Dahl Ltd, are joining in the 2008 Roald Dahl Day Celebrations. An, Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Dahl event, open to local schools, will be held on Wednesday 10 September at the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, 10.00 am - 12.00 noon.  Children will have the opportunity to watch a number of short films about Dahl which include archive footage of the author and put all of their Dahl related questions to our panel who know practically everything there is to know about the Cardiff born author. Schools who would like to get involved should contact Academi on 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org for more information. Visit www.roalddahl.com for facts, games, activities and even lesson plans.

Flint Writers: Writing workshop with Aled Lewis Evans.  For further details contact Norma Jones: njones06@tiscali.co.uk.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Golygfa Gwydyr: Gwyl Gwydyr Storytelling Festival 2008.  Including sessions with Catherine Aran, Gwdihw, Fiona Collins and Helen East.  For further details contact Wyn Roberts at Golygfa Gwydyr: golygfa.gwydyr@hotmail.co.uk /  01492 641415.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Wrexham County Borough Council: Creative Writing Workshop with Grahame Davies, at 10.00 am. For further details contact Nicola Millar: nicola.millar@wrexham.gov.uk. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Teifi Writers: Poetry Workshop with Paul Henry.  2pm - 4pm at Tysul Hall, Llandysul.  For further details contact Kelly Yamazaki: k.yamazaki@tesco.net / 07888 841140.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Cinnamon Press: Up There Where the Air is Rarefied – an exhibition and poetry reading with poet Susan Richardson and visual artist Pat Gregory. 2.00 pm at Oriel Canfas Gallery, 44a Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. For further details contact jan@cinnamonpress.com 

Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning: Open Day 2008. There will be events throughout the day including free taster sessions, film screenings, talks and presentations. Co-ordinating Lecturers will be available to discuss courses available. You could enrol on the day. Refreshments will be available. For further details contact learn@cardiff.ac.uk.

An Introduction to Writing Poetry with Ivy Alvarez. 10.30 am at Canton Library, Cardiff. £5 for a taster session. For further details and to book your place contact Ivy: 07709 902929.

Corris Institute: Creative Writing Workshops with Sarah Woods. A series of 1-day workshops starting in September and continuing every month. 10.00 am - 4.00 pm at Corris Institute. For further details contact Elaine Owen: 01654 761346. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

The Dylan Thomas Prize: The announcement of the Shortlist. At the Olivier Stalls of the National Theatre, London. 11.00 am. With the sole exception of the Nobel, The Dylan Thomas Prize – which is sponsored by the University of Wales - is the largest literary prize in the world. It was first awarded in 2006 and is now bestowed biennially to the best, published work of creative writing by an author under 30, celebrating young literary talent across the globe. To see the long list click here. To reserve your place at the announcement, contact info@dylanthomasprize.com. 

Parthian Books: Jim Bowen will be reading and discussing his book Just Another Mzungu Passing Through.  6.30 pm - 8.00 pm at Haverfordwest Public Library.  For further details contact Richard Davies at Parthian: rich_parthian@yahoo.co.uk or 01267 676633.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Llanhilleth Institute: Writing and Performance Workshop with Patrick Jones. 4.00 pm at Llanhilleth Institute. For further details contact Karen Ross: 01495 354607. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Llanhilleth Institute: Llanhilleth Writers and Culture Group Open Mic Night.  Come along and join in.  7.30pm until late at Llanhilleth Institute.  For further details contact Karen Ross, Llanhilleth Institute: 01495 354674.

Pontardawe Arts Centre: An afternoon with John Hegley and support Mab Jones. 1.00 pm at Pontardawe Arts Centre. For further details contact Nerys Griffiths: n.griffiths1@neath-porttalbot.gov.uk

Academi: The National Poet in Talgarreg.  An event with Gillian Clarke, National Poet of Wales and four prominent poets who will translate some of her work into Welsh.  Dic Jones, Elin ap Hywel, Menna Elfyn and Eurig Salisbury will read their adaptations of the National Poet’s work, with Ceri Wyn Jones overseeing proceedings.  Bilingual event.  7:30pm in Glanyrafon Pub, Talgarreg.  All welcome.  For further details contact Academi: post@academi.org / 209 2047 2266.

Galeri Caernarfon: Dark Tales of the Woods and Tales from the Brothers Grimm, plus Writing Squad with Daniel Morden. 11am - 12pm / 3pm - 4pm in Galeri, Doc Victoria, Caernarfon.  For further details contact Dawn Worsley: dawn.worsley@galericaernarfon.com / 01286 685208.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Bangor School of Lifelong Learning: Revolution! Literature and Creative Writing Day School, with Liz Ashworth, Lyle Skains and Jim Knight.  10am - 4pm at the School of Lifelong Learning, Dean Street, Bangor.  For further details contact Fiona Owen: fionaowen@btinternet.com / 01407 810742.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Academi Showcase – Monmouth. The Academi Writers of Wales list now has on it over 600 writers many of whom may be unfamiliar to you, the aim of the Showcase is to let you get to know them and hear their work. Whether they are more established writers or new to the literary scene they are sure to offer you a night of diverse and original literature from Wales. Writers John Evans, Jane Blank and Mab Jones will appear in the Monmouth Showcase. On Wednesday 24 September 2008, 7.30 pm at The Monmouth Priory, Monmouth. Tickets: £3.00 / £2.00. Contact Academi on 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org

Pontardawe Arts Centre: Poems ’n’ Pints evening. The first of a new series of monthly events, with a reading from Peter Finch. Hosted by local poet Brian Smith. Also an Open Mic session for members of the audience to read their own poem. Admission £3 / 2. 8.00 pm. For further details contact Tracy Evans: 07866 700709.

Academi in Wales Millennium Centre: Cinnamon Press present the launch of Meic Stephens’ novel Yeah Dai Dando.  Told in narrative, dialogue, stream of consciousness and internal dialogue between Dave and someone who may or may not be the author, Yeah Dai Dando is a story that sets Wales on a world stage exploring issues of language, identity and relationships in a fast paced story that is at once bleak and funny, intertextual and accessible. An ingenious, original novel that consistently surprises and grips the reader.  Yeah Dai Dando has been selected as Waterstones book of the month for September.  Glanfa, Wales Millennium Centre at 7.00pm. Free event with wine. All welcome. RSVP jan@cinnamonpress.com.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council: Open Mike Night with Mab Jones. 7.30 pm at the Imerial Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil. For further details contact Gus Payne: gus.payne@merthyr.gov.uk / 01685 725382. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

theabsurd.co.uk: An Evening of Spoken Word and Music with Jonny Flyffypunk and Gemma O’Neill. 7.00 pm at Y Delyn Wine Bar, Mold. For further details go to www.theabsurd.co.uk Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Penrhys Pilgrims: Holy Wells of Wales Book Launch. Phil Cope launches his new book with poets Hilary Llewellyn-Williams, Phil Maillard and Graham Hartill. 2.00 pm at Canolfan Rhys Arts Centre. For further details contact the Penrhys Partnership: 01443 755008. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Theatr Harlech: Storytelling Cafe with Clare Muirean Murphy from Ireland.  7.30 pm at Theatr Harlech.  £7.50 / £5.  For further details contact Clare Williams: clare@theatrharlech.com / 01766 780667.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Ceridwen Centre: Room To Write: Spiel Unlimited course. Fancy time away freeing up your creative juices with like-minded people? Want to pick up a pen, let your imagination wander, cast your words to the winds? Ever thought of treating yourself to a writing weekend? Whether your interest is in poetry, prose or performance, the course will provide opportunities for you to explore or expand your writing skills. The course will be delivered by writers Marcus Moore and Sara-Jane Arbury, who work together as Spiel Unlimited. Marcus has written Call My Bluff scripts for the BBC, had poems published by Macmillan, and run countless workshops in schools, libraries and prisons. Sara-Jane directs the voices off programme for Cheltenham Literature Festival, has toured nationally as a performer in the Bloodaxe production of Staying Alive, and was recently Herefordshire’s first writer-in-residence.  5pm Friday - 5pm Sunday at Ceridwen Centre: www.ceridwencentre.co.uk. Cost: £165 all inclusive. For more information and to book your place, contact Spiel Unlimited: 01285 640470 / 07814 830031 / email courses@spiel.wanadoo.co.uk.

George Herbert Festival including poetry competition, readings and guided walks, in Montgomery and Powis Castle. For further details contact The Revd Dr Raymond Shorthouse: raymondshorthouse@tiscali.co.uk.

The Welsh Academy: Annual General Meeting 2008 at 2:00pm at Penbryn, Penglais Campus, University of Aberystwyth, Aberystwyth. For further details click here or contact Academi: post@academi.org / 029 2047 2266.

Bangor University Education and Lifelong Learning: ’Writing your Family Stories’’. A workshop for beginner writers with Liz Ashworth.  10.00 am at London Road Centre, Holyhead. For furthe details contact Fiona Owen: 01407 810742.

Dylan Thomas Centre: Writing for Pleasure and Profit - a two-day course creative writing course with Peter Read.  If you only write for money then it’s difficult to get pleasure from being creative.  On the other hand, if you only write for pleasure you may be missing opportunities to turn your hobby into earnings.  The course will look at ways to keep our writing fresh and the many possibilities for seeking publication.  10am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday, at the The Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.  Course Cost £60.  For further details and to book your place, contact Peter Read: peterread@ntlworld.com / 01792 207077 / 07931 614180.

Ceridwen Centre: Monday Morning Masterclass: ‘The Prose And The Passion’ - workshop with writers Sara-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore.  “Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted.” Hook up with Sara-Jane and Marcus at an attention-grabbing workshop examining the intrigues of prose writing. Practical ways to build characters, develop plots and shape narratives – from initial scribblings to final drafts!  10:00am - 12:00pm at the Ceridwen Centre, Drefelin, Carmarthenshire.  Cost: £7.  Places should be booked in advance with Simone Mansell Broome on 01559 370517 / simone@simonemb.com.  www.ceridwencentre.co.uk

The Collective: Lee Harwood and Chris Hall will be reading and discussing their work.  8pm at the Hen & Chicks, Flannel Street, Abergavenny.  For further details contact Ric Hool: Richardhool05@aol.com.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Alcemi: Launch of The Untogether by Jeb Loy Nichols.  8.30 pm at Chapter Arts Centre, Media Room, Cardiff.  Music and reading from Jeb Loy Nichols.  For further details contact gwen@ylolfa.com

Word Up Poetry: Spoken Word Open Mic Night with guest poet John Bilsborough. 8:00pm at Cellar Bar, Castle Café, Cardigan.  £5 entry. Competition topic: ’The Demon Drink’. Each competition entrant will receive a book. All welcome.  For further details contact Simone Mansell Broome: simone@simonemb.com or 01559 370517.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Neath Port Talbot Libraries: Talk and Poetry Readings with Jeannie Johnson. 2.00 pm at Port Talbot Library. For further details contact Paul Doyle: 01639 860000. Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Cerdiwen Centre: Workshop with John Bilsborough. ’What to do with it once you’ve written it – ideas for getting your work seen, read and heard!’  10.00 am.  Each place costs £7 and includes tea/coffee. For further details and to book your place contact Simone Mansell Broome: simone@simonemb.com  /  01559 370517.

Beyond The Border: First Saturdays Storytelling with Megan Lloyd and Francis Maxey.  ‘Under The Skin’.  Two of Wales’ best-known storytellers provide an hour of intertwining tall tales, some of them, like Jack’s beanstalk, very tall indeed….. 1pm at the Tesco Stage, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.  Admission Free.  For further details contact 029 2063 4637 or visit www.wmc.org.uk or www.beyondtheborder.com.

Beyond the Border: Tellor - Stories and Songs of Wales.  Launch performance of a new group dedicated to celebrating The Matter of Wales through story and song.  Storyteller David Ambrose joins forces with singer Lynne Denman, harpist Delyth Jenkins and composer/multi-instrumentalist Peter Stacey to explore the Welsh mythological landscape.  7.30 pm at Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff.  For further details contact David Ambrose: 01656 890 289 or visit www.beyondtheborder.com

Bedwas Writers’ Circle: Poetry Workshop with Sheenagh Pugh.  11am - 1pm at Bedwas Community Centre.  For further details contact Dinnella Shelton: sheltdmm@aol.com / 01443 450496.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Ysgol Rhiwabon: Slam with MC Mrs Melanie Ferron-Evans.  6.30 pm - 8.30 pm at Ysgol Rhiwabon, Pont Adam, Rhiwabon, Wrexham LL14 6BT.  For further details contact Nia Richards, Ysgol Rhiwabon: 01978 822392.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Academi BayLit Festival, Wednesday 8 – Tuesday 14 October 2008.
Shock of the New. This is what Ezra Pound wanted. What Robert Hughes thought that art generated right through the last century. Flickering change. In 2008 has this changed? Literature may still be new but does it continue to make waves? BayLit, the Academi’s annual literature festival will try to find out. Expect the young, the new, and the alternative. See below for individual event listings or for more information and to request a festival brochure contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org

Academi BayLit Festival: Shock of the New. Lunchtime Lit. Check in at Borders to buy a signed copy of Joanna Davies’ debut novel, Ffreshars (Gomer, 2008), and follow a group of students’ sexual exploits and drunken antics during their first year at Aberystwyth University. At Borders, The Hayes, Cardiff, 1.00 pm. Free event. For more information contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org Welsh-language Event.

Academi BayLit Festival: Shock of the New. World Poets Tour. The Poetry Translation Centre’s World Poets’ Tour arrives in Cardiff. Choman Hardi introduces Farzaneh Khojandi from Tajikistan, Noshi Gillani from Pakistan and Kajal Ahmed from Kurdistan. The dynamic nature of the visiting poets’ cultures and their rich literary traditions are revealed by this exceptional all-female line-up. At Kemi’s Café, Craft in the Bay, 6.00 pm. Tickets: £4.00 / £3.00 concessions. For more information and tickets contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org Multilingual Event.

Academi BayLit Festival: Shock of the New. Speedy Scripts. Comedian Daniel Glyn introduces new and exciting Welsh playwrights Ceri Elen, Huw Foulkes, Lleucu Siôn, Elis Gomer and Gwilym Dwyfor. Enjoy gripping performances and relax with some cwtchy cocktails. In Bar Cwtch, Cardiff Bay, 7.30 pm. Tickets: £4.00 / £3.00 concessions. For more information and tickets contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org Welsh-language Event.

Academi BayLit Festival: Shock of the New. Poetry, Prose and Pinot Grigio. Join poet, critic and newly appointed editor of New Welsh Review Kathryn Gray as she introduces an evening of poetry and prose, featuring some of the best young writers from Wales. The impressive line-up includes Zoe Brigley, Meirion Jordan, Louise Walsh, Tom Anderson and Joe Dunthorne. At Bar One, Wales Millennium Centre, 7.30 pm. Tickets: £4.00 / £3.00 concessions. For more information and tickets contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org  

Narberth Museum Bookshop: 3rd Rewriting History, Children’s Book Festival: Highwaymen, Outlaws and Villains with Marcia Williams and Chris Stephens. Narberth Museum Bookshop plus venues in Narberth and Tenby.  For further details contact Pauline Griffiths: 01834 861719.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Palas Print: What Brings You Here So Late with Tony Conran and others.  At Galeri, Caernarfon; time tbc.  For further details contact Eirian at Palas Print: eirian@palasprint.com / 01286 674631.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Academi BayLit Festival: Shock of the New. Lunchtime Lit. A great opportunity to attend the first reading of the engaging and musically deft debut collection Moonrise (Seren, 2008) from Meirion Jordan. At Borders, The Hayes, Cardiff, 1.00 pm. Free event. For more information contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org