Llangwm Literary Festival welcomes wander women

On the centenary of Women’s Suffrage in the UK, the feisty Pembrokeshire village (famed for its own formidable fisherwomen of yesteryear) is preparing to welcome some of the UK’s most pioneering women.

The charming Cleddau village of Llangwm is running its annual litfest this August (10^th – 12th) with local and national writers, storytelling, art and travel writing workshops, a Spanish fiesta and a focus on women’s journeys – physical and spiritual.

Top of the bill is Joanna Penberthy, Bishop of St Davids and first female Bishop of the Church in Wales. Bishop Joanna will be talking about her road to God, Girl Power and her passion for quantum physics.

Hot on her heels is Dervla Murphy, one of the world’s greatest living travel writers. Dervla, who famously rode her bicycle from Dublin to India, is making a shorter journey this time: across the Irish sea from Lismore. Dervla’s talk will focus on her latest books on Israel and Palestine.  The Middle East is a hot topic for writers this year in general and Llangwm will also welcome Syria-specialist Diana Darke with her latest book ‘The Merchant of Syria’.

Editor of Wanderlust, travel writer and intrepid female vegetarian version of Bear Grylls, Phoebe Smith is preparing to explain why small really is better (when it comes to climbing mountains) and to reveal the secrets of nailing the ultimate travel article. ‘Come Forage with Me!’ is the call of Pembrokeshire seaweed queen, Julia Horton-Powdrill, who will be exploring foraged food on the banks of the Cleddau.

For fans of storytelling, Shonaleigh brings the Drut’syla storytelling tradition to Llangwm.  We expect her Jewish tale of ‘The Golem’ who sleeps between the leaves … until we need him, to thrill and chill in equal measure.

You might like to join locals in dusting off your ponchos and espadrilles for Llangwm’s Spanish fiesta as The Cottage Inn transforms itself into La Casita for one night only Pembrokeshire’s much-loved Jackie Palit brings a taste of Spain to Llangwm.

With so many wonderful women, can there be space for men? Of course, there is! But that’s a different story.

Festival-goers can also enjoy delicious local food throughout the festival served by The Cottage Inn, the Wesleyan Chapel. The Caffle Brewery will be on tap to provide liquid inspiration.

For more information visit the Llangwm Literary Festival website or call 07970 812050