31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Llangwm Literary Festival to put children centre stage
Llangwm Literary Festival, taking place in Pembrokeshire from August 8 to 10, will feature a packed programme of events designed to inspire and engage young readers, including storytelling, workshops and interactive experiences led by acclaimed authors and educators.
Michael Pugh, director of the festival, said: "We have more events for children at the litfest this year.
"We have not had to look far to find amazing Welsh writers for our children's events."
The festival will open with a session led by retired schoolteacher John Roach on the origins of the Welsh Red Dragon, blending history with hands-on writing and craft activities.
Mr Pugh said: "This is a multi-layered session to develop children's understanding of their own history, but also to develop their creative skills through writing and craft."
Returning by popular demand is Cardiff-based author Jack Meggitt-Phillips, whose internationally translated book The Beast and The Bethany is set to be adapted for film.
Mr Meggitt-Phillips will lead a creative writing workshop for children and a community session on Sunday, August 10, exploring what it takes to succeed as a children's author.
Saturday's line-up includes a philosophy, storytelling and art session led by Beth Mackintosh and best-selling nature writer Gill Lewis.
The Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park team will also make their festival debut, offering children immersive activities inside a biofluorescence dome.
Mr Pugh said: "It's the closest you get to visiting another planet."
In the afternoon, Juliane von Reppert-Bismarck, founder of Lie Detectors, will lead a session on media literacy, helping children spot misinformation and understand the risks of mobile technology.
Family-friendly events include foraging sessions with Really Wild Julia, a talk on preserves by Angharad, and Ryan's Triple C project, which looks at removing barriers to participation.
The festival will conclude with a talk from Pembrokeshire's Cruising Free Rowing team, who will share stories from their recent transatlantic journey.
This year, Llangwm Literary Festival is also offering internships for students interested in gaining experience behind the scenes at an arts event.
The festival runs from August 8 to 10 in the village of Llangwm, Pembrokeshire.
For more information, visit the website or email llangwmlitfest@
