The King of Pontrhydyfen: A Night of Poetry and Song

Join us to celebrate the finalists of the Richard Burton Centenary poetry competition!

On 8^th July, finalists from ‘the King of Pontrhydyfen’ poetry writing contest will be invited to present their poem at Blanco’s Hotel, Port Talbot.

Throughout his life, Richard Burton took drew inspiration from writers and poets including his beloved Dylan Thomas. The actor was renowned for his love of the landscape and communities which shaped him, often returning home to visit his birthplace of Pontrhydyfen.

He was internationally acclaimed for his voice and oratory skills, lending his iconic timbre to the original radio broadcast of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood.

This poetry competition, ‘the King of Pontrhydyfen’, will pay tribute to Burton’s passion for literature and verse.

Winners will be invited to read their poems to an audience of friends, family and poetry enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the creative talents that abound in this region.

This event is supported by RB100, Neath Poetry and Spoken Word. Cheval / The Terry Hetherington Young Writers Charitable Trust registered with the CVS and Blanco’s Hotel and Restaurant, Port Talbot. The Bois Afan Male Voice Choir will be treating guests to fantastic performances throughout the evening.

This event is also open to the general public, the more the merrier!

The event will include a performance from Bois Afan choir, and welcome the following readings:
UNDER 35 FINALISTS
Xafier Pandes
Annie Holdoroyd

OVER 35 FINALISTS
Babs Horton
Tess Philips
Jenny Berrey
Mark Lyndon
John Coutanche
Nigel Jones
Mark Woods
David Richards
Tony Earnshaw
Paul Holdoroyd
Ashley Mc Avoy
Angela
Lloyd P Richards

We will also share poetry by Derek Davies and speeches from head judge Amanda Davies.