During the last weekend in April, the friendly, historic town of Llandeilo will be hosting its third annual Literature Festival titled Llandeilo Litfest.

The award-winning festival is a four-day programme of literary events running from Thursday, April 25 to Sunday, April 28.

Since its inception in 2017, the event has gathered support and followers from across Wales. This year it is hoped that the festival will attract even more visitors with an amazing line-up of bilingual literary events to suit everybody’s taste and to cater for every age group.

The town of Llandeilo has been gearing up for this event since the last festival took place and local businesses, shops and eating places are in final preparation to welcome those that travel to attend this exciting literary feast.

The town will be transformed into a literary haven for book and literature lovers whilst given the opportunity to experience the delights of this beautiful market town.

This feast of literary entertainment kicks off on Thursday evening with a session with Phil Steele, the former Welsh rugby player and commentator discussing his book ‘Nerves of Steele’ and will continue right through until Sunday with over 35 sessions.

Lucy Owen the BBC broadcaster will be discussing her latest venture into the world of writing for children with her book ‘The Sea House’ on Saturday, and subjects throughout the festival vary from Suffragettes to The Great War with novelists, poets and biographers filling this varied programme of events.

There will also be a session with two prominent Welsh bloggers, talking about reaching out to audiences via this relatively new literary genre.

Readings, discussions, workshops and literary talks will take place across Llandeilo during the festival at the Ginhaus, Horeb Chapel, Eve’s Toy Shop, Fountain Fine Art Gallery, The Little Welsh Dresser, Igam Ogam, The Hangout, Mimosa Art Gallery, The Cottage Inn and the Angel Inn.

The festival will satisfy everyone whatever their age and preferences. From chilling, candlelit Horror from ‘Horla’ editor and author, Matthew G. Rees with Carly Holmes, Sally Spedding and Nick Brunger to Wales’ best loved poets.

Phil Knight and Pete Akinwunmi are sure to raise the roof with their brave, humorous verses.

Wales Book of the Year winner, Llwyd Owen with his ‘Bywgraffiad,’ is sure to make a lasting impression while Nina Vangerow’s book-making workshop will create lasting souvenirs of an inspiring four days.

With cooking, crime, fantasy, history and travel, new and well-known futuristic genre authors such as Jonathan Crayford and Jasper Fforde keep the flame burning bright.

Christoph Fischer, Chair of the Literary Festival said: “It’s a great pleasure to host the Hwyl Llandeilo Litfest this year again.

“The festival has gone from strength to strength since it was first held in 2017 and the committee has worked hard over the last twelve months to ensure a varied and exciting line-up for lovers of literature.

“We hope that this year’s event will bring even more people to the town of Llandeilo to savour the atmosphere and sample some of the numerous sessions that will be held over four days”

“Llandeilo during the festival will be opening its doors to everyone who delights or takes an interest in literature.

“The festival is held across the town with events happening in local galleries, shops, pubs and hotels.

“This event belongs to the whole town of Llandeilo and we are excited at the prospect of welcoming visitors from all over Wales and beyond.

“Croeso cynnes i bawb!”

As well as being an Information Point and Ticket Office for this year’s festival, Siop Cyfoes will be the official festival bookshop selling the books and works of the authors featured in festival.

It will be based at Mari Thomas on Rhosmaen Street.

There will be a walking tour by Nick Brunger and lots of free events for children and grown-ups.

Last year’s event was recognised in the Excellence in Literature category at the Celebration of Culture Awards run by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Full programme of events can be found on Twitter Facebook by visiting @LlandeiloLitFest.

Please note that due to the size limitations of the venues, events can sell out quickly.

To avoid disappointment please book in advance, even for the free events.

Tickets are available from /llandeilolitfest.org/calendar and llandeilolitfest.eventbrite.com/.

Paper tickets available at the Red Cross Shop, Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo.

You can show your support at gofundme.com/e6-hwyl-llandeilo-litfest and find out more information at llandeilolitfest.org.

Some events are free, and a very warm welcome awaits you from prolific author and LitFest founder Christoph Fischer, Gaynor Jones and all committee members.