9–10 May 2026 | Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

If you’re looking for something a little different this May, Llandovery is hosting a weekend that brings together nature, creativity and conversation in a way that feels completely at home in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

The Reading the Wild Literary Festival returns for its second year on 9–10 May 2026, growing from a small local event into a full weekend of talks, workshops and shared ideas inspired by the natural world.

Set against the backdrop of Carmarthenshire’s rolling hills and open landscapes, this is a festival that invites you to slow down, listen and see the landscape in a new way.

A Festival Inspired by the Outdoors

Reading the Wild – or Darllen y Gwyllt – takes its inspiration directly from the environment around it. The programme explores everything from nature writing and conservation to folklore, food heritage and creative practice.

You don’t need to be a writer to enjoy it. This is for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, is curious about the world around them, or simply wants to spend time listening to great speakers in a relaxed setting.

A Remarkable Line-Up of Speakers

This year’s festival brings together an impressive mix of voices, including:

Jon Gower, Carwyn Graves, Rhys Jones, Adele Nozedar; Julie Ann Rees and Rae Howells, alongside well-known authors and illustrators such as Jackie Morris, Nicola Davies, Jay Griffiths, Derek Gow, Alys Fowler, Emily Gravett, Thomas Docherty and Helen Docherty.

Across the weekend, you’ll find talks and discussions covering:

• Wildlife and conservation
• Rewilding and ecology
• Storytelling and folklore
• Illustration and children’s literature
• Food, landscape and heritage

It’s a chance to hear directly from people shaping how we understand and talk about the natural world today.

Get Involved: Workshops and Outdoor Experiences

The festival goes beyond talks, with opportunities to step outside and engage with the landscape itself.

Join outdoor sessions led by Our Wild Edges, or take part in a wildflower identification course with Laura Moss of Carmarthenshire Meadows — perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about what’s growing around them this spring.

Make a Weekend of it in Llandovery

One of the best things about Reading the Wild is how it connects with the town itself.

Llandovery’s independent cafés, shops and places to stay are all part of the experience, making it easy to turn a day visit into a relaxed weekend away. Wander the streets between sessions, find somewhere good to eat, and enjoy a slower pace that fits the setting.

With its location on the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, it’s also a great base for walking, exploring and spending time outdoors either side of the festival.

Plan Your Visit

Reading the Wild Literary Festival
📍 Llandovery, Carmarthenshire
📅 9–10 May 2026

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

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for popular sessions.