WREXHAM'S Carnival of Words event proved to be a 'resounding success' as attention turns to next year. 

Local audiences were entertained by a host of well-known authors and poets who appeared at local venues as part of the 2023 Wrexham Carnival of Words.

Among the highlights of the festival held between April 22-29 were local author and dramatist Peter Read, with his personal memories of supporting Wrexham Football Club, and “agony uncle” Mike Gayle with his inimitable style of “lad lit”.

Crime fans had a huge boost by meeting leading thriller authors Tim Weaver, Conrad Jones and Jenny Blackhurst whilst Fflur Dafydd spoke about her unique novel The Library Suicides.

A cosier approach in the Agatha Christie tradition was provided by Glenda Young with her Seaview Hotel books.

The festival Murder Mystery held at Wrexham Library was a sell-out and the organisers are planning a script-writing competition with the winning entry being performed at the 2024 Carnival of Words.

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There were many children’s events including free storytelling sessions for families, creative writing workshops with Elen Caldecott, visits to libraries by Welsh character Magi Ann with hugely-popular children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce visiting local schools.

Poetry sessions proved a draw with the ever-popular Viva Voce open mic sessions being joined by poets from Voicebox, Aled Lewis Evans sharing his collection of poetry from the lockdown and the week culminating with a visit from Hanan Issa, the National Poet of Wales.

Festival Director Dylan Hughes has said: “This year’s Carnival was a resounding success with larger audiences than last year and we look forward to being back with a bang with an exciting and varied programme of events in 2024”.