Taking place 9–10 May 2025 near Llandovery, on the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), the festival invites participants to explore the connections between nature and literature through workshops, readings and conversations in some of Wales’s most beautiful countryside settings.
Reading the Wild is a celebration of stories, nature and community — designed for anyone who loves the outdoors and the written word. The festival offers a programme of guided walks, outdoor workshops, readings and creative activities, led by a diverse mix of writers, artists and thinkers.
Whether you are an experienced nature writer, a curious reader or someone looking for fresh inspiration, the festival creates space to reflect, engage and discover.
Explore the full festival line-up and programme at dragons-garden.com.
Over the two days, festival-goers can:
Take part in writing workshops set within the wild landscape
Join guided walks exploring the stories of the land, it's wildlife and it's history
Listen to readings and discussions with authors, poets and artists
Connect with a like-minded community in a beautiful rural setting
With a focus on connection — to place, to words, to one another — Reading the Wild offers a retreat from busy lives and a space to reconnect with creativity.
Located in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Reading the Wild offers the perfect chance to combine a festival weekend with time exploring the countryside, local towns and coast.
If you are coming from further afield, why not extend your stay to visit nearby Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) or other parts of mid and west Wales? www.bannaubrycheiniog.org
Find more inspiration for planning your literary getaway at bannaubrycheiniog.org
The Reading the Wild Festival invites you to step outside, slow down and immerse yourself in nature and story. Whether you are coming to write, to walk or simply to listen, this unique May weekend offers a celebration of creativity, place and imagination.
Jackie Morris – Renowned illustrator and co-author of The Lost Words
Tom Bullough – Author of Sarn Helen and co-presenter with Jackie Morris
Bethany Handley – Poet and disability activist; presenting Access for All: Journeying Through Disability and Nature
Stephanie Hafferty – Garden and food writer; leading a session on climate change gardening
Dr Rob Thomas – Author of The Storm-Petrels
Michael Malay – Wainwright Prize-winning author of Late Light
Steven Lovatt – Author of Birdsong in a Time of Silence and Enchanted Ground
Dr Rhys Jones – Presenter of Becoming Dr Jones
Julie Brominicks – Author of The Edge of Cymru
Carwyn Graves – Author of Tir
Nicola Davies – Award-winning children's author; presenting Speaking to Whales and Talking with Lions... and Other Stories
Helen & Thomas Docherty – Acclaimed children's authors; leading Into the Wild session
Ceri John Phillips – Storyteller; conducting multiple storytelling sessions
Laura Moss – Leading a workshop on wildflower identification
For the full programme and to book tickets, please visit the Reading the Wild / Darllen y Gwyllt page.
For more inspiration, visit www.bannaubrycheiniog.org — and if you are a local business wanting to connect with visitors, learn more about Brecon Beacons Tourism at www.breconbeaconstourism.org.
