‘Cheap, cheerful and sometimes free’

‘We are proud to be cheap!’ says Michael Pugh, founder and director of the Llangwm Literary Festival that opens 10 August 2018 with rugby royalty turned best-selling novelist Eddie Butler.

‘When Valero agreed to support us in 2016, public affairs manager Stephen Thornton stressed the importance of making the festival accessible.’ ‘It was a message that struck a chord with Pugh, former international law firm partner who gave it all up to ride half way across Europe to look for something more fulfilling.

‘As a result, all but one of our events are priced at £5 or below.’ ‘We pay a fee to all of our presenters’ continues Michael who is justly proud of the line-up that ranges from Dervla Murphy, Professor Norman Davies, and the Bishop of St Davids. ‘Griff Rhys-Jones returned his fee with a note to say that he thought the festival needed the money more than he did’.’ Thanks to the generosity of local establishments, such as Beggar’s Reach, the Lamphey Hall Hotel, Cresswell House,and Monkhaven Manor to name but a few, we are able to offer accommodation to our writers who come from far away.’

In addition to funding from Valero, Milford Haven Port Authority and Literature Wales, the majority of the litfest’s funding comes from the festival patrons who, for the princely fee of £50, secure free entry to the majority of the festival’s events. Patrons also secure entry to the launch party which is a great opportunity to chat to visiting writers over cheese and pate from Ultracomida, Narberth and beverages from Wilsons Wines.

‘People like our approach’ says Michael ‘In austerity Britain, almost everyone is stretched.’ ‘This year Manorbier man of action, Buzzard Chris is running three separate bushcraft sessions that are ticketed, but all free of charge.’ Recognising the enormous appetite of emerging writers to talk about their work, our Saturday Open Mic session is also free.’

‘Being cheap has nothing to do with the quality of our offering. It is just that we are able to do this, thanks to our sponsors, our dedicated committee and wonderful volunteers.’ says Michael. ‘It is a great example of everyone pushing in the same direction to create something that is good for both locals and tourists.’

This year is looking like a sell-out and we are already taking bookings for 2019. It just goes to show, says Pugh, with a laugh ‘Some of the best things in life are cheap!’

For more information on the festival (tickets, attendance, participation and sponsorship opportunities), please contact llangwmlitfest@gmail.com or call 07970 812050, or visit our website: www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk

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