The Dylan Thomas Festival

The Dylan Thomas Festival 'In Country Sleep' runs from 26 October - 9 November 2009

Join us for Swansea's annual Dylan Thomas Festival, based in the city's Dylan Thomas Centre, from 26 October to 9 November.

This international celebration focuses not only on Thomas' work, but that of his friends, contemporaries and those inspired by him. The celebration will feature the usual eclectic mix of poetry, prose, drama, film, exhibitions, talks and special guests, with at least one event every day.

This, the twelfth Dylan Thomas Festival, is dedicated to the memory of Aeronwy Thomas Ellis, only daughter of Dylan and Caitlin Thomas, who died on 27 July 2009.

We welcome the evergreen talent of Dannie Abse, who attended one of Dylan's last UK readings, and who is writing as well as ever into his 80s, as well as the vocal and lyrical skills of Cerys Matthews. As well as Aeronwy, we celebrate the great Richard Burton, and Mumbles' own Alun Richards.

We look at two writers who influenced Dylan – Shakespeare and W.B.Yeats - and those who were influenced by him, like the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes. New stars such as Owen Sheers and Rhian Edwards perform alongside established figures like Peter Finch and Menna Elfyn.

A host of talented Swansea-born or based writers take part, including acclaimed novelist Stevie Davies, poets Nigel Jenkins and John Goodby, and the multi-talented Fflur Dafydd.

We feature those who, over the years have made significant contributions to the festival, including Peter Read, Phil Bowen and Fluellen Theatre Company.

There is a one-day conference on the poetry of Dylan's contemporary and friend Lynette Roberts, and premieres of new plays about Dylan and that other Welsh giant David Lloyd George by Wales-based D.J.Britton.

There are workshops, films, music and exhibitions, and a showcase for lesser-known, up and coming young Swansea writers in our Stuff Happens event. In short, this exciting festival offers something for everyone!

A listing of the events that you can print out is below-

 Dylan Thomas Festival listings 2009 [51kb]

Further information can be obtained by e- mailing david.woolley@swansea.gov.uk or jo.furber@swansea.gov.uk or ring the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea on 01792 463980.