Abergavenny Writing Festival returns for 3rd consecutive year

With the support of Christie Residential, Abergavenny Rotary Club, Abergavenny Town Council and Gateway Cycles the writing festival returns to Abergavenny during April 2018. There will be 21 events across three days from 19th to the 21st April including talks, workshops, discussion, activities and performances. Learn about blogging, journalism or history writing; try your hand at poetry, creative writing or simply be inspired, entertained and meet like-minded people. Three days packed full of events for all ages and interests . . .

Events on day 1 will include a talk from music journalist Jude Rogers who will share writing insights and let us in on some behind-the-scene stories from her interviews with musical stars including Paul McCartney, Adele and Amy Winehouse. Thursday will also include hints and tips on pitching to publishers (with Adele Nozedar) and writing a blog (with the Wales Blog Network). Learn how Norena Shopland wrote Wales’ first LGBT history or come and join in with a welcoming ‘writing for fun’ session led by Pat Smail.

On day 2 – Friday 20th April – there will be a poetry walk along the river led by poet clare e. potter who will share her own work as well as river themed poetry that inspires her. Writing workshops to suit all styles and interests will be guided by local writers: Matthew Plumb, Frank Olding, Bob Walton, Elizabeth Parker and Tyler Keevil. Cath Barton, Rhiannon Hooson and Nigel Jarrett will take part in a discussion about their work, winning awards and getting published.

Saturday 21st April is family day with workshops, talks and activities for children. Children’s writers will share their passion and their stories and encourage the visiting youngsters to have a go for themselves. Sessions include ‘Giant Bogeys and Stinky Stories’ with Sarah Kilbride and a writing workshop in both Welsh and English led by Naomi Doyle and Carys Glyn. Other children’s writers taking part include Ross Montgomery and Eloise Williams.

The festival will be rounded off with a screening, signing and Q&A with Owen Sheers followed by an entertaining evening of words, music and poetry with Tyler Keevil, Giles L. Turnbull and Rhian Edwards. Most events will take place in the Kings Arms Hotel function rooms, as well as a ‘Passionate Alphabet’ workshop with Fiona Marr at Abergavenny Library and a ‘ride and write’ event with Jack Thurston and Emily Chappell leaving from Gateway Cycles. Tickets are available to buy online at www.abergavennywritingfestival.com or in person or by phone from the Borough Theatre box office.