West Wales writing talent was celebrated at the first G?yl Lyfrau Aberaeron Book Festival at the town’s Memorial Hall this month, with readings by authors and poets, story-telling sessions for adults and children, book signings and even workshops to encourage new writers.

Organisers Dr Niki Brewer and Karen Gemma Brewer of Aberaeron’s Gwisgo Bookworm bookshop said the festival has received such a positive reception from everyone in the town that it is set to become an annual event.

“Our aim is to provide a platform for local authors and highlight the wealth of writing talent in both the Welsh and English languages that exists in west Wales,” said Dr Brewer.

“We were especially enthused by the large gathering of children who attended the Welsh and English storytelling sessions headed by Meleri Wyn James and Peter Stevenson.”

Poets performing from the Memorial Hall stage included Jackie Biggs and Karen Gemma Brewer and there were also several author readings including Megan Hayes, L E Fitzpatrick, Derek Moore, Lazarus Carpenter, Carol Lovekin and Alys Einion. Genres covered ranged from local history to fantasy and sci-fi.

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