Free, bookable activities for families | 9–10 May 2026

If you’re planning a family day out in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) this May, Reading the Wild in Llandovery offers a lovely mix of creative, nature-inspired sessions designed especially for children.

Taking place over the weekend of 9–10 May 2026, the festival includes a number of free family-friendly events, with well-known authors and illustrators leading engaging, hands-on sessions.

These are relaxed, welcoming activities where children can listen, draw, imagine and explore — all inspired by the natural world.

Meet Award-Winning Illustrator Emily Gravett

One of the highlights for younger visitors is the chance to meet Emily Gravett, a much-loved and award-winning children’s author and illustrator.

Emily has been creating picture books for over 20 years, delighting both children and adults with her storytelling and distinctive illustrations.

In this session, children will:

• Meet characters from her Pete’s Wood series
• Learn how to draw Pete the Badger
• Take part in a fun, interactive creative activity

📅 Saturday 9 May | 10:30am
📍 Pethau Pawb, Llandovery
👧 Ages 3+
🎟 Free (booking required)

Nicola Davies: Maps, Stories and Imagination

Children’s Laureate for Wales, Nicola Davies, returns to Reading the Wild with a session designed to spark imagination and curiosity.

Her session explores how maps can tell stories — not just of places, but of memories, ideas and even feelings.

Children will be encouraged to think creatively about:

• What a map can represent
• How stories connect to places
• Imagining their own “maps” of the world

📅 Sunday 10 May | 11:30am
📍 The Castle Hotel, Llandovery
🎟 Free (booking required)

Storytelling with Helen & Thomas Docherty

For younger children, Helen and Thomas Docherty bring storytelling to life with sessions full of warmth, humour and imagination.

Based around their books A Tree to Call Home and It Won’t Be Forever, these sessions explore themes of home, nature and caring for the world around us.

📅 Saturday 9 May | 12:30pm
📍 The Castle Hotel, Llandovery
🎟 Free (booking required)
👶 Aimed at younger children

Planning Your Family Visit

All children’s sessions at Reading the Wild are free to attend, but spaces are limited — so booking in advance is essential to secure your place.

The festival takes place across Llandovery, making it easy to combine a session with:

• A relaxed lunch in one of the town’s cafés
• A browse of independent shops
• A short walk or outdoor stop nearby

It’s an easy, low-pressure way to introduce children to books, creativity and the natural world — all in a welcoming, small-town setting.

Book Your Place

🎟 View the full programme and book tickets here:
https://dragons-garden.com/product-category/reading-the-wild-darllen-y-gywllt-literature-festival-2026/

Things to do in Llandovery