Something for everyone
St Michael’s Church, Eglwysfach, near Machynlleth, will be holding its biennial R S Thomas Literary Festival and Poetry Competition during the weekend of 25-27th September.
The festival celebrates the legacy of its renowned former poet-vicar with three days of poetry, services, talks, walks and music. Inspired by the wildlife and natural beauty of the Dyfi Valley, the programme also brings together emerging and established poets for its popular poetry competition.
This year’s festival will be held in fond memory of its founder Joy Neal, who passed away in December 2024.
The exciting line-up of events begins on Friday afternoon with a walk, led by Richard Suggett, David Billingsley, Nicola Roberts and Owen Shiers, exploring the landscape which inspired R S Thomas during his time at Eglwysfach, followed by tea in the Iron Room. In the evening Owen Shiers will consider the connections between people, the land, poetry and music, in a session entitled Singing the Land.
Saturday’s events begin with a Service of Morning Prayer, led by Revd Lynn Rees and with The Most Reverend Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, preaching. In the afternoon Professors Jason Walford Davies and Tony Brown of Bangor University will be in open conversation illustrating the early works of R S Thomas and, later, poet and artist, Roger Wagner, will consider the link between landscape and poetry. The day ends with a concert entitled Poems of Stillness which will include Hilary Tann’s setting of R S Thomas’s poetry to music and be followed by drinks and nibbles.
Sunday will begin with a service of Holy Communion, followed by a presentation, entitled Reverence and praise in poetry, by poet and playwright, Menna Elfyn.
Walks, talks, presentations and concerts cost £10 each (booking fees apply); services are free events.
The weekend will conclude with the poetry competition for which entries are welcome, with prizes of £250, £100 and £40. Full submission guidelines are available on the website or on request (see below) Entry fees £10 for one poem and £15 for two poems. Poets will read their entries during the afternoon.
For full details please visit www.eglwysfach.co.uk or contact Alison Swanson who will be happy to send out brochures or provide more information: alisonswanson7@icloud.com; tel 01654781322; mob 07834 884096. Tickets are available in advance from Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/r-s-thomas-literary-festival-and-poetry-competition-2026-tickets-1984299523290. Tickets will also be available for sale on the door on the day of the event.