CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DYLAN THOMAS DAY IN LAUGHARNE

Laugharne will be home to a host of events celebrating International Dylan Thomas Day tomorrow.

The festivities will take place across the town including at the Boathouse, the Castle and the Tin Shed.

Dylan Day was set up last year to celebrate the life and work of the Welsh poet, and will be held each year on May 14 – the date Under Milk Wood was first read on stage at 92Y The Poetry Center in New York in 1953.

Across the country, events are taking place to have fun with the magic of Dylan’s words through activities such as creative writing workshops, literary tours, educational resources and readings in unusual places.

In Laugharne, the fun starts at the Castle from 10.30am to 11.30am with storytelling for children and adults.

Storyteller Daniel Morden, and actor and writer Mark Montinaro, will tell terrific tall tales at the event, which is supported by Literature Wales and CADW.

A spokesman said: “Action and adventure loom large in the acclaimed Morden’s fantastic fairy stories, whilst the maverick Montinaro will add a touch of literary liveliness to proceedings.

“Come and enjoy the gorgeous castle setting, with views out over the estuary, and some truly amazing tales, in this magical and amazing, word-wondrous hour.”

The event is free, upon paying entry to the castle: £5 adults, £2.80 children, £10 for a family of 4.

The Boathouse, made famous as the home of the Welsh bard, will host the Dylan Thomas Sound Project at 2pm, which will include Dylan’s words, set to music.

The event is also free after paying entry to the Boathouse which is £4.20 adults, £3.20 concession, £2 children, under sevens free.

There is an evening of entertainment at the Tin Shed Experience with poetry and song, music and words, plus other acts.

Cerys Matthews, Welsh singer, songwriter, author and broadcaster said she encouraged people to celebrate the day.

“I’ve enjoyed celebrating Burns Night over the years and often wanted to celebrate Dylan Thomas in the same way – at last there is a date in the diary for Dylan Day,” she said.

“Why not raise a glass to this little great man every year on May 14 and enjoy the chance to savour the brilliance of his work by reading out excerpts and throwing a party, wherever you are!”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member for culture Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “It’s wonderful to see so many events taking place to celebrate the life and work of Dylan Thomas, and to highlight his close links with Laugharne.”