Reading the Wild Literary Festival returns to Llandovery on 9–10 May 2026, bringing together leading writers, illustrators and environmental thinkers for a full weekend of conversation, creativity and connection to the natural world.
Now in its second year, the festival has grown from a small local initiative into a significant cultural weekend for Carmarthenshire and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Held outside the bank holiday period, it offers a compelling reason to visit Llandovery in early May while supporting independent businesses across the town.
Reading the Wild – also known as Darllen y Gwyllt – takes its inspiration directly from the landscapes of rural Wales. The programme explores nature writing, conservation, folklore, food heritage, rewilding and children’s literature, drawing together national names and Welsh voices in equal measure.
Welsh writers including Jon Gower, Carwyn Graves, Rhys Jones, Julie Ann Rees and Rae Howells appear alongside an impressive line-up featuring Jackie Morris, Nicola Davies, Jay Griffiths, Derek Gow, Alys Fowler, Emily Gravett, Thomas Docherty, Helen Docherty, Adele Nozedar and Anita Roy, among many others.
This breadth gives the weekend genuine depth — from ecology and rural life to illustration, poetry and storytelling.
The festival extends beyond talks and readings. Outdoor workshops led by Our Wild Edges and a wildflower identification course with Laura Moss of Carmarthenshire Meadows ensure that the natural world remains central to the experience.
Visitors can expect thoughtful discussion, creative energy and opportunities to engage directly with writers whose work shapes conversations around landscape and environment across the UK.
Organised by Mandy and the team at Dragon’s Garden, Reading the Wild is a community-led collaboration. Local cafés, accommodation providers, shops and venues work together to welcome visitors for the weekend.
Events like this strengthen Llandovery’s visitor economy at an important point in the season and showcase how culture-led tourism can support rural towns in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Reading the Wild Literary Festival 2026
📍 Llandovery, Carmarthenshire
📅 9–10 May 2026
🎟 Early bird tickets and full programme:
https://dragons-garden.com/product-category/reading-the-wild-darllen-y-gywllt-literature-festival-2026/
Advance booking is recommended.
