What’s On

Palas Print: Book Launch: Revenant by Tristan Hughes.  6:30pm in Palas Print, Caernarfon.  For further details contact Eirian James: 01286 674631.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

The Absurd presents: An evening of spoken word and music with Martin Daws, Laura-Leigh, Sophia, Andy Jones and Sophie McKeand.  Plus limited floor spaces available.  To book a slot contact andy@theabsurd.co.uk.  7pm at Y Delyn wine bar, Mold.  Admission: voluntary contributions.  Free tapas from 7pm.  For further details visit www.theabsurd.co.uk or www.myspace.com/theabsurduk.

POETica @ Papillon with Fanny Walker and Ross Sutherland.  Performance poetry night, with interactive poetry and open mic.  Two performance poets, Fanny Walker from Washington DC and Ross Sutherland (Aisle 16) will headline the night.  There will also be a poetry open mic session to encourage local poets to perform their work and an interactive poetry session to encourage the audience to get involved more actively with poetry.  Ross Sutherland was listed in February 2008 by The Times newspaper as one of the Top Ten Rising Literary Stars for 2008.  POETica is a collective of four poets in North Wales dedicated to increasing access to poetry in the area. POETica events are a new stage for international spoken word performance in Bangor. The events bring spoken word and live literature together in a fresh blend of slam, spoken word and literary poetry.  7:30pm at Papillon, 347 High Street, Bangor, LL57 1YH.  Tickets: £4.  For further details contact Soracha Cashman: poetica.bangor@gmail.com / 07736 461735.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Academi: Book of the Year 2008 Short List launch.  At the Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye.  Further details to follow.

University of Wales, Bangor / Parthian Books: Otherland: Contemporary Poems on Wales and Welsh-American Experience.  Parthian launch a collection by ten poets, each with an American background and an active, creative engagement with Wales.  Readings by anthology contributors David Lloyd (also the editor) and Margaret Lloyd.  6:30pm at the University of Wales, Bangor.  For further details contact Graeme Harper: cos401@bangor.ac.uk.

Performance Poetry with Peter Read and Martin Daws (Winner and runner up of the John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry 2007).  7:30pm at Bangor Museum and Art Gallery.  Plus readings from the floor.  Admission £3, including glass of wine.  For further details contact Gwen Lasarus: gwenlasarus@gwynedd.gov.uk / 01286 679465.

Llangefni Library: Writing Seminar: Tips on Writing Drama with Peter Read (Winner of the John Tripp Award 2007).  A seminar for those interested in writing for the stage.  Peter Read has had five plays staged professionally, including the highly acclaimed Toshack or Me!  1:00pm - 3:00pm at Llangefni Library, Anglesey.  Free of charge, but places are limited.  For further details and to book your place contact 01248 752095.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Ucheldre Centre: Performance Poetry with Peter Read and Martin Daws (Winner and runner up of the John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry 2007).  Plus readings from the floor.  7:30pm at Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead.  Entry £5/£4.  For further details contact the Ucheldre Box Office: 01407 763361.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Ruthin Library: Samantha Wynne Rhydderch discussing her work.  7:30pm at Ruthin Library.  for further details contact Llinos Davies: 01824 705274.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Bangor Museum and Art Gallery: readings by Tristan Hughes and Samantha Wynne Rhydderch, both published poets with Picador.  7pm at Bangor Museum and Art Gallery.  £3 entry, includes free glass of wine.  For further details contact Gwen Lasarus: gwenlasarus@gwynedd.gov.uk / 01286 679465.

Galeri: An afternoon with Owen Sheers.  Visiting Galeri for the first time, poet and short story author Owen Sheers talks about his writing and reads from his work, inviting questions from the audience.  2pm at Galeri Caernarfon, Doc Victoria, Caernarfon.  Tickets £8 / £7 / £4 - contact 01286 685 222.  For further details contact Elen ap Robert: elen.ap.robert@galericaernarfon.com / 01286 685204.  www.galericaernarfon.com.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Flint Writers: Workshop with Gladys Mary Coles.  10am - 1pm at Flint Library.  For further details contact Norma Jones: njones@tiscali.co.uk.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

I*D Books Writers’ Group: Poetry Reading with Welsh Canadian poet Beryl Baigent, on the theme: ’Art, Antiques and the Appeal of Darkness’.  7:30pm - 9:30pm at the Community Centre, Plymouth Street, Shotton.  For further details contact Maureen Coppack: 01244 811048.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Writing the Green Spirit.  Victoria Field will be running a writing workshop in the inspirational setting of Cae Mabon in Snowdonia where participants will use poetry and story to deepen connections with nature both inner and outer.  Victoria is a writer, poetry therapist and publisher based in Cornwall.  Open to all.  £150 full board.  For further details call 01326 319030 or email info@falpublications.co.uk.  www.caemabon.co.uk

Denbigh Midsummer Festival: Ian McMillan - the Ian McMillan Orchestra - "Sharp Stories".  7:30pm at Denbigh Town Hall.  For further details contact Susan Muse: 01745 816887 / susan@mac247.co.uk.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

POETica @ Papillon with Anthony Joseph.  Performance poetry night, with interactive poetry and open mic.  Trinidadian Anthony Joseph will be performing his exceptional spoken word/rhythmic poetry live in North Wales!  There will also be a poetry open mic session to encourage local poets to perform their work and an interactive poetry session to encourage the audience to get involved more actively with poetry.  Anthony Joseph was also listed in February 2008 by The Times newspaper as one of the Top Ten Rising Literary Stars for 2008.  POETica is a collective of four poets in North Wales dedicated to increasing access to poetry in the area. POETica events are a new stage for international spoken word performance in Bangor. The events bring spoken word and live literature together in a fresh blend of slam, spoken word and literary poetry.  7:30pm at Papillon, 347 High Street, Bangor, LL57 1YH.  Tickets: £4.  For further details contact Soracha Cashman: poetica.bangor@gmail.com / 07736 461735.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Denbigh Midsummer Festival: Poetry Slam at 7:30pm at the Plough, Bridge Street, Denbigh.  For further details contact Susan Muse: 01745 816887 / susan@mac247.co.uk.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Tŷ Newydd: Literary walk around Llanystumdwy in the company of Twm Morys, starting at 10:30am from Tŷ Newydd, Llanystumdwy.  Bilingual event.  Tickets: £3.  For further details contact Tŷ Newydd: 01766 522811 / post@tynewydd.org or visit www.tynewydd.org.

Tŷ Newydd: Family fun afternoon: a Storm of Stories.  Bring the whole family to enjoy a story or two, a puppet show, music to dance to, from 2pm in the beautiful garden of Tŷ Newydd, Llanystumdwy.  Bilingual event.  Tickets: £5 for adults; free entry for children.  For further details contact Tŷ Newydd: 01766 522811 / post@tynewydd.org or visit www.tynewydd.org.

Academi: Book of the Year 2008 Award Ceremony.  Hilton Hotel, Cardiff.  Further details to follow.

Stori Pen Cyf: Creative Writing Workshops: "Constructing a Drama" with Liz Ashworth.  A ten week course.  These workshops will encourage participants to further explore and develop their own creativity and further develop the skills to create effective short plays based on their own experience and on their research into their own past.  A particular emphasis will be put on developing the skill to create dramas for different audiences, including older people and children.  Every Wednesday at 11:00am - 1:30pm (time tbc) at the Annexe, Penmaenmawr Community Centre, 3 Conwy Road, Penmaenmawr.  For further details contact Juliet Greenwood: juliet@storipen.co.uk / 01492 623970.  www.storipen.co.uk.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Writers Pinboard Workshops: Poetry Workshop with Penelope Shuttle.  10am - 4pm at Ruthin Library.  For further details contact Diana Rivaz: diana.rivaz@virgin.net.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Academi: "Writers In Their Landscape" Literary Bus Tour: Raymond Williams in Pandy with lecturer Professor Dai Smith.  A guided walking tour led by Dr John Pikoulis.  The first in this series of tours which is designed to introduce readers to the landscapes which inspired three memorable writers: Raymond Williams, Alun Lewis and Margiad Evans.  Further tour details and other tour dates available by clicking here.  The tour will start from the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff at 8:00am, returning to the same point at around 7:00pm that evening.  Detailed timetables will be available from Academi.  Tickets: £50 / £47 for Academi Members and Associates.  Please Note: The walking tours will often be over fields and we will encounter a number of stiles along the way.  For more information and to book your place contact Academi on 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org .

Rhyl Library: Tom Palmer: "The Football Reading Game" and launch of the summer reading challenge.  In the afternoon (time tbc) at Rhyl Library.  For further details contact Bethan Hughes: bethan.hughes@denbighshire.gov.uk / 01824 708207.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Denbigh Library / Llangollen Fringe Festival: Children’s poet Paul Cookson will be appearing at Denbigh Library in the morning (time tbc) and at 3pm - 4pm at Llangollen Fringe Festival.  For further details contact Bethan Hughes: bethan.hughes@denbighshire.gov.uk / 01824 708207.  Supported by Academi (contact 029 2047 2266 for information on funding for events).

Academi: "Writers In Their Landscape" Literary Bus Tour: Alun Lewis in Cwmaman with lecturer Dr John Pikoulis.  A guided walking tour led by Dr John Pikoulis.  The first in this series of tours which is designed to introduce readers to the landscapes which inspired three memorable writers: Raymond Williams, Alun Lewis and Margiad Evans.  Further tour details and other tour dates available by clicking here.  The tour will start from the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff at 8:00am, returning to the same point at around 7:00pm that evening.  Detailed timetables will be available from Academi.  Tickets: £50 / £47 for Academi Members and Associates.  Please Note: The walking tours will often be over fields and we will encounter a number of stiles along the way.  For more information and to book your place contact Academi on 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org .

Tŷ Newydd: Extended Poetry Course with tutors Pascale Petit and Daljit Nagra.  Tŷ Newydd extended courses have been designed to combine the advantages of distance-learning and face-to-face tuition.  They provide the opportunity for you to to submit your work and receive helpful and specific advice from the tutors before, during and after the residential course.  Tutors will read your work carefully before and after the course.  The residential course itself follows the normal pattern of courses at Tŷ Newydd with tutorials, workshops and readings.  Participants are invited to submit 6 poems of moderate length to the tutors for a written commentary 4 weeks before the start of the course.  Further pieces of work can be submitted for commentary after the course.  At Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre, Llanystumdwy, Cricieth, Gwyneth, LL52 0LW.  For further details and to book a place click here or contact Tŷ Newydd: post@tynewydd.org / 01766 522811.  www.tynewydd.org.  www.pascalepetit.co.uk ; www.myspace.com/pascalepetit

Tŷ Newydd: A look at Poetry.  An opportunity for non Welsh-speakers to gain an insight into our history and culture through poems and music, in the company of Twm Morys.  7:30pm in Tŷ Newydd.  Bilingual event organised with Cwlwm Diwylliant.  Tickets: £5.  For further details contact Tŷ Newydd: 01766 522811 / post@tynewydd.org or visit www.tynewydd.org.

Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre: Poetry and Prose Weekend taster course with Gladys Mary Coles and Zoe Skoulding.  A course that will explore new avenues and ideas to spark the imagination and initiate new pieces of writing in poetry or prose.  A shorter course which can be attended on a residential or a non-residential basis.  Designed for writers at all levels of experience and aim to give a taste of what can be expected on a normal (Monday to Saturday) Tŷ Newydd course.  Open to Tŷ Newydd regulars as well as to those who have never been before.  At Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre, Llanystumdwy, Cricieth, Gwynedd.  Cost: Residential: £245 (single), £215 (shared), Non-residential: £150.  (20% discount available to people coming to Tŷ Newydd for the first time - please see booking conditions for details.)  For further details and to book a place click here or contact Tŷ Newydd: post@tynewydd.org / 01766 522811.  www.tynewydd.org.

Academi: "Writers In Their Landscape" Literary Bus Tour: Margiad Evans in Llangarron with lecturer Dr Ceridwen Lloyd Morgan.  A guided walking tour led by Dr John Pikoulis.  The first in this series of tours which is designed to introduce readers to the landscapes which inspired three memorable writers: Raymond Williams, Alun Lewis and Margiad Evans.  Further tour details and other tour dates available by clicking here.  The tour will start from the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff at 8:00am, returning to the same point at around 7:00pm that evening.  Detailed timetables will be available from Academi.  Tickets: £50 / £47 for Academi Members and Associates.  Please Note: The walking tours will often be over fields and we will encounter a number of stiles along the way.  For more information and to book your place contact Academi on 029 2047 2266 / post@academi.org .

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).

Galeri Caernarfon: Dark Tales of the Woods and Tales from the Brothers Grimm 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).