A FORMER national poet of Wales visited parts of Carmarthenshire recently as part of a literary walk through Wales.

Ifor ap Glyn, who served as the National Poet for Wales between 2016 and 2022, has been taking part in a literary walk through Wales to recite poems and raise funds for literary projects. On his 200+ mile trek, he stopped off in Llandeilo on Sunday, June 18.

The 61-year-old walked from Brynaman to Llandeilo, ending his day with a recital in the White Horse’s function room.

The two-hour evening event saw Ifor recite a number of his poems alongside Carmarthen poet Elinor Wyn Reynolds.

Llandeilo mayor Christoph Fischer said: “What a wonderful opportunity to welcome Welsh bar Ifor ap Glyn to Llandeilo. Diolch yn fawr am stopio yn Llandeilo. Mae’n anrhydedd mawr.”

Geraint Rhus Edward from the Llandeilo Lit Fest said: “Ifor is a really interesting poet. Ifor is London-born and can put on quite a cockney slang when speaking English yet writes poetry solely in Welsh.

“He was involved with the Welsh language alternative scene back in the 80s and early 90s and his art can sound more like your beat poet rather than the traditional ‘Talwrn’/Eisteddfod style of recital.

“He has a couple of National Eisteddfod crowns to his name and often brings translations to hand out to audience members.”

Mayoress Kate Glanville said: “What a wonderful evening we had. We’re grateful that Ifor picked Llandeilo as part of his inspiring journey and it was great to see a Lit Fest regular, Elinor Wyn Reynolds, make a guest appearance. I’m glad the Lit Fest made it possible to connect them both with a receptive audience.”