A CELEBRATION of books is back and bigger than ever before.

The Penarth Literary Festival has reutnred with 12 days of events lined up between Wednesday, June 14, and Sunday, June 25.

The annual festival is hosted by Griffin Books - recently named UK Independent Bookshop of the Year in the 2023 British Book Awards - with plenty of fun in store.

Events and Communications Manager at Griffin Books, Hollie Aldridge, is "really excited" for the festivals return.

"There's something for all ages and interests in this year's programme and we're looking forward to welcoming authors from across the UK to our town," said Ms Alrdrigdhe. 

"A number of the events are close to selling out - which is wonderful - so we would advise people to book tickets now to avoid missing out!"

Penarth Times: Line-up for the 2023 event

Here's what's on...

Kicking off the festival today [June 14] Rev Richard Coles will be signing copies of his book A Death in the Parish between 4pm and 5pm at Griffin Books. 

The bestselling author will also give a talk at All Saints Church at 7.30pm which, due to high demand, will also be live-streamed.

There’s also fun in store for youngsters at Penarth Library on Saturday, June 17, including:

  • An illustration workshop with Jack Skivens (Night of the Animal Wall). This is suitable for ages 5+ and will be from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
  • Lizzie Huxley-Jones with Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend which is inspired by her own upbringing in North Wales. This is suitable for ages 9+ and will be from 2pm.

Penarth Times: Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend by Lizzie Huxley-Jones

Another highlight will be the return of the quiz night – with an added twist for 2023: each team will be captained by a local author who will offer guidance (click here to find out who the captains will be).

Groups will have a maximum of six people – and guests can choose whose team they’d like to join (subject to availability). This will be at St Augustine’s Parish Hall from 7.30pm on Saturday, June 24.

Other events lined up for the festival include:

  • A seminar entitled ‘Novel Beginnings: A Taste of 18th Century Prose Fiction' with Vicki Joule at Griffin books on Sunday, June 18 (10am - 12.30pm);
  • Paul Moorcraft (Churchill’s German Special Forces) at All Saints Lesser Hall on Sunday, June 19 (3pm);
  • Zoom event with Natalie Haynes (Stone Blind) on Monday, June 19, from 7.30pm;
  • Diana Evans (A House for Alice) at Penarth Pier Pavilion on Tuesday, June 20 (7.30pm);
  • 'The Full Welsh' with Mike Parker (All the Wide Border) and Jon Gower (The Turning Tide) at Penarth Yacht Club on Thursday, June 22 (7.30pm);
  • Laura Shepherd-Robinson (The Square of Sevens) at All Saints Church on Saturday, June 24 (3pm);
  • Poetry showcase hosted by Stephen Payne at All Saints Lesser Hall on Sunday, June 25, (7.30pm).

Penarth Times: Laura Shepherd-Robinson will discuss The Square of Sevens

Find out more, or book tickets, to any of the festival events by visiting: bit.ly/3qNuFqf