POETRY, prose and a dash of tango – the line-up for this year’s Penfro Book Festival promises a wealth of literary talks, workshops and events.

The programme for the event at Rhosygilwen from October 11-13 has just been published and is available online and in paper format.

Top attractions this year include the poems of Idris Davies set to music, the Bells of Rhymney, directed by Helen Blackburn and including readings plus the talents of Blaenporth Male Voice Choir under the baton of conductor Margaret Daniel. This event kicks off the festival on the Friday night.

On the Saturday there is a line-up of workshops including poetry with award-winning poet Rhiannon Hooson, the art of crime writing with local author Judith Barrow plus topical writing for wellbeing with Brenda Squires.

Novelist Niall Griffiths will be leading a workshop on starting to write while Cardigan’s Bara Menyn’s own chef Jack Smylie Wild will be running an innovative outside workshop looking at writing and nature. Workshop spaces are limited so booking is essential.

As well as the workshops, Newport librettist Peter George will be talking about the art of setting words to music.

At lunchtime the festival anthology ‘Heartland’ will be launched containing winning poems and prose.

Saturday night sees Strictly with Stories – a celebration of the spoken word, dance and a delicious dinner. You’ll be entertained with a performance of three tales from the Radio 4 series Strictly Stories with Bethan Roberts in between courses.

Afterwards you can burn those calories off by dancing to hot jazz combo Afternoon in Paris plus watch a showdance by an international ballroom couple.

Sunday sees Penfro’s popular series of talks – a bargain at just £10 for the day. Mike Parker will be talking about his recent acclaimed book On The Red Hill, while David Howell will be talking about the completion of the new Historical Atlas of Pembrokeshire.

In a coup for the festival, Martin Johnes will be revisiting his recent TV series Wales: England’s Colony while award-winning narrator Matt Addis will be talking about the art of the audio book.

Harpist Delyth Jenkins will be delighting the audience talking about her book That Would Be Telyn which traces her walk along the Pembrokeshire path accompanied by her harp.

The talented Penfro Poets will be giving a showcase of their poetry. Four of them – Jackie Biggs, Dave Urwin, Helen May Williams and Kittie Belltree - nhave all published poetry collections this year.

The festival closes with the performance of the winners of the radio drama competition on Sunday afternoon.

Penfro chairman Sue Lewis said: “We are thrilled with the line-up we have this year – it really showcases the literary talent that we have in Wales.”

Tickets are available online at www.penfrobookfestival.org.uk