GB Ongoing

R S Thomas Literary Festival

Name: R S Thomas Literary Festival
Start: 2026-09-25
End: 2026-09-27
Location: Eglwysfach

St Michael’s Church in Eglwysfach hosts the R S Thomas Literary Festival and Poetry Competition to honor the legacy of its renowned former poet-vicar. The event, scheduled for late September, features a program of cultural activities including guided landscape walks, academic discussions, musical performances, and church services centered on the themes of land and faith.

Date: Sep 25-27, 2026
Location: Eglwysfach
Status: Ongoing

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Event summary

Highlights

Poetry competition judged by Menna Elfyn and Tony Brown
'Poems of Stillness' concert featuring settings of R S Thomas’s poetry
Guided landscape walks exploring the poet's inspirations
Talks by Bangor University professors on Thomas's early ministry

The festival explores the deep connections between the local landscape and the creative work of R S Thomas. Programming begins with a guided walk led by local experts and academics to explore the environment that inspired Thomas's poetry, followed by presentations such as 'Singing the Land.' The event also serves as a tribute to the festival's founder, Joy Neal.

Academic and artistic contributions include talks by professors from Bangor University regarding the poet’s early ministry, as well as presentations by artist Roger Wagner and poet Menna Elfyn. A notable musical highlight is the 'Poems of Stillness' concert, featuring soprano and harpist Sophie Rudge and other musicians performing settings of Thomas’s work.

The festival concludes with a poetry competition where dozens of participants read original entries based on quotations from R S Thomas. While church services are open to all, specific talks, the concert, and the guided walk require paid admission, with tickets available at the door or via advance booking.

Practical details

Location described by the source: St Michael’s Church Eglwysfach; www.cambrian-news.co.uk
Area for browsing nearby events: Eglwysfach

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.