SWANSEA'S literary talent — both the old and the new — is set to draw in visitors to west Wales this summer.
Both world renowned genius of the written word Dylan Thomas, and rising star and author of the acclaimed novel Submarine, Joe Dunthorne, are included on the list of Literature Wales's Unforgettable Literary Adventures.
Literature Wales CEO Lleucu Siencyn says: "What could be better than getting outside to play in Wales' stunning landscapes, whatever the weather? Literature Wales's literary tours offer so much — they're fun, sociable, quirky, active, interesting and totally unique. Why not take the chance to explore this landscape in the company of some of Wales's best writers."
On Saturday, July 6, the tour arrives in our city for Submarine Swansea.
The billing reads: "Joe Dunthorne's brilliant novel Submarine was quickly adapted into the hugely popular feature film starring Craig Roberts.
"Join both for a screening and foray into the places from Joe's teenage years, the book and the film."
Then two weeks later Dylan comes under the spotlight in a most novel manner.
Dylan Thomas's Taf Estuary will see Swansea Dylan experts Jeff Towns and John Goodby lead a canoe trip on the estuary which ran past the poet's Laugharne boathouse.
Mr Towns, who runs the Dylan Thomas Bookshop online, said: "I learnt to canoe as a student but it has been a number of years."
Mr Towns, who is the president of the Dylan Thomas Society, said the summer's programme would be like a rehearsal for the centenary celebrations of the poet's birth in 2014.
He said: "It's a trial run for next year which is going to be called Dylan's Odyssey. There is room for the traditional coach tour but they are looking to attract younger people by making things a bit more exciting."
The summer tours will take in other Welsh literary heavyweights, including the poet RS Thomas, medieval bard Dafydd ap Gwilym and novelists Rachel Tresize (who won the inaugural Dylan Thomas Prize) and Niall Griffiths.
Dylan's granddaughter Hannah Ellis, who is to be honorary patron of next year's Dylan Thomas 100, is keen to make his work more accessible.
She said: "I strongly believe that it is very important to introduce Dylan's work to children of all ages in entertaining and creative ways."
New Dylan artwork — page 4
