WRITERS and fans of all styles and genres of literature will be flocking to Penarth for this year’s Book Festival which takes place this October.

Award-winning short-story writers Rebecca John, Tyler Keevil, Fran Rhydderch and Joao Morais will debate whether women write better short stories than men. Carolyn Hitt and Eddie Butler will discuss Welsh rugby in the 1970s, while Jon Gower, Imogen Herrad and Elizabeth Morgan will celebrate 150 years of Welsh Patagonia.

This year will also see the first Local Author Showcase, which will give local authors the opportunity to showcase their work.

Adele Nozedar will share tips on how to forage for edible goodies in your own garden, and there will be exclusive screenings of three literary themed films at Penarth Pavilion.

There will be a number of events hosted by Penarth Library including a Game of Thrones themed quiz, a bilingual story time with Sali Mali and a retrospective look at cinema in Penarth with Marcus Payne. There will also be children’s events throughout the week and a Julia Donaldson themed workshop with The Big Talent School.

The Festival will take place at various venues across Penarth from October 11 to October 18.

Anne Hallet, one of the Festival organisers said: “We’re delighted with this year’s line-up. There will be events, workshops, readings and signings to appeal to all ages and literary tastes.”

The full events programme will be published on Monday, September 7 when tickets for all events go on sale via the Festival website or from Griffin Books (formerly Windsor Bookshop).

Visit www.penarthbookfestival.org.uk for full event listings and information.