Wildlife

Started my birthday slightly early with the fabulous Dark & Twisties at Down By Here in Swansea tonight, thanks lovelies, a treat of a gig.

Daytripping to Llanidloes and back…

It was an absolute joy to be in Swansea for the opening of the new Elysium Gallery art centre in the city centre, I'm so proud of Jon and Dan and the team who have all worked so hard on this, and over the preceding years and many, many venues...  It was lovely to see friends old and new there and nose around the open studios. Do go along and use the cafe, go to events, see the shows... I will be getting involved with some literary things there in the future too... Andre Stitt – Estateless continues at the new space on Belle Vue Way. Music continues at the old venue, now called Down by Here but still programmed by Scott, who is putting on some class acts.

Bardic Books wrote: ' What a fantastic night with the most amazing company: Ben Wildsmith- Guitar/Vocals and Crystal Jeans, chatting about their unputdownable new books ‘Whose Song to Sing’ and ‘Blueprints,’ followed by a superb performance from Ben on guitar and vocals. It really doesn’t get much better than this! Thank you both from the heart, and thanks to the top audience and to Susie Wildsmith Parthian Books Calon Books and my lovely pal Daphne King for helping put it all together. Diolch o galon!

C ongratulations to Natalie Ann Holborow, Emily Vanderploeg and Ness Owen, who were all longlisted in The Rialto's Nature and Place Poetry Competition 2026 .