Thu 01/May/2025 - 09:00 - 15:00
Get ready, Merthyr! The Merthyr Tydfil Arts and Literature Festival is back—and bigger than ever!
Now in its eighth year, the festival is proudly hosted by the Stephens and George Charitable Trust (Dowlais Community Centre) in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
It’s grown into the UK’s largest World Book Day event—and it all happens right here in Merthyr Tydfil!
19 venues across the town centre will be buzzing with activity, including: Hope Church, St David's Church, Soar, VAMT, High Street Baptist Church, The Tiger Inn, Tydfil Training, Castle Hotel, The Library—and more than 10 marquees bringing fun and magic to the town centre.
Festival Highlights Include:
• A colourful parade of over 3,500 children in Welsh costume at 9:30am—watch as the town comes to life!• A grand opening ceremony at 10am at St David’s Church with special guests from across the youth and education sectors.• Over 100 stalls offering food, books, crafts, and gifts.• 200+ creative workshops happening across the town- Sean Conway will talk about achieving 105 iron men in 105 days , Tim Price about writing Aneurian bevan , Bronwen Lewis , Floyd Woodrow and lots more .• Flash mobs, stilt walkers, dancers, falconry, jugglers, archery, school choirs, music, animals, vintage fairground rides, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and James and the Giant Peach!
This year’s theme is “Wales is Great – You Can Achieve”, celebrating pride in our heritage and inspiring young people to dream big.
From the High Street and up to The Tiger Inn, the whole town will be buzzing with energy and imagination. It’s a day for families, schools, and the whole community to come together, share stories, and make memories.