Gavin and Stacey star Larry Lamb is heading to Neath as the town’s arts festival returns for four days this October.
The actor, also known for EastEnders, will read his own poetry and reflect on his life and career on stage and screen at the Gwyn Hall on Sunday 18 October.
Neath Arts Festival runs from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October, bringing music, literature, art, drama and heritage to venues across the town centre.
One of the headline shows is a homecoming. Jazz pianist Joe Webb, who grew up in Neath before leaving to study music, returns to play Neath Little Theatre on Saturday 17 October.
Webb, described by organisers as one of the world’s leading jazz pianists, brings his trio of bassist Will Sach and drummer Sam Jesson, with music from his latest album Neath Beat.
Another comeback runs even deeper. Neath Symphony Orchestra will perform for the first time in fifty years, revived by volunteers with a programme of stage, screen and classical favourites.
Comedy fans get Hi-de-Hi! and You Rang, M’Lord? star Jeffrey Holland, discussing his autobiography The First Rule of Comedy with comedy historian Robert Ross.
BBC Radio 3 presenter Elizabeth Alker joins Huw Stephens to talk about her book Everything We Do Is Music, on the unexpected connections between classical and pop.
Welsh writer Grug Muse discusses her 4,000-mile cycle journey across America, and Anthony Shapland talks about his novel A Room Above a Shop and its Welsh-language adaptation Lan Stâr.
Jon Doyle discusses his debut novel Communion, which explores working-class identity and community in a town shaped by the decline of the steel industry.
Neath Antiquarian Society members will give short talks drawing on the society’s photographic archive.
Music runs through the weekend, with a day of performances at St David’s Church on Saturday 17 October and free events at The Arch on Friday 16 October.
Art features across the festival, from an exhibition inspired by ancient Rome at Queen Street Gallery to photography from Neath and District Photographic Society and work by Pontardawe and Cadoxton art clubs.
The volunteer-led charity behind the festival is backed by Neath Town Council and sponsors, and organisers say it plays an integral role in supporting arts and culture in the town.
The full programme is at neathartsfestival.cymru.
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