A new bilingual literary festival celebrating the Welsh and English languages is getting ready to sweep into a Powys town.

Sunday, November 28 will see Machynlleth host its inaugural, bilingual literary festival named Amdani, Fachynlleth! Literature & Travel Festival.

This first festival, translated to Let’s Go, Machynlleth! will play homage to Jan Morris, an award-winning Welsh historian, travel writer and author.

She passed away in November 2020 so this event will take place on the first anniversary of her death.

With her son Twm Morys’ blessing, and many of her author friends agreeing to take part, it’ll be a celebration of her life and achievements, as well as attendees hearing from acclaimed speakers on the theme of travel in Wales, and beyond.

Some of Jan’s sketches and paintings will also be on display for the first time ever, and artist Dan Llywelyn Hall will be unveiling a new portrait at the opening of the festival which will be on display for the duration of the weekend.

With venues including the home of the Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA) The Tabernacle, and The Wynnstay Hotel on board within the town, a number of speakers have been confirmed for the bilingual event.

Twm Morys, Jan’s son, writer, musician and poet will formally open and close the festival, and Simon Jenkins of The Guardian will talk about the neglected architectural masterpieces of Wales, a subject close to Jan Morris’ heart.

Derek Johns, Jan Morris’ agent for 20 years, literary journalist and travel writer Paul Clements will also appear.

British writer Dea Birkett will discuss female travellers, and Ursula Martin from Llanidloes will tell the story of walking 5,500 miles through three winters, 14 countries and a pandemic.

Tickets are now on sale at £10 each and can be purchased from the www.moma.cymru What’s On page. The number for MOMA is 01654 703355.

Charles Dark, owner, The Wynnstay Hotel in Machynlleth who was instrumental in the festival’s creation, said: “Bringing together some of the UK’s most knowledgeable and acclaimed travel and literature experts is extremely exciting.

"This is very much a team effort between The Tabernacle and The Wynnstay, and we look forward to what is expected to be a weekend full of laughter, informative material and sharing of wonderful stories on the theme of travel.

"On top of the speaker events, we will also have opportunities for attendees to chat to speakers at dedicated meals, as well as exhibitions so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“I can’t thank the speakers enough for agreeing to take part, as they are the best of the best and we can’t wait to welcome them to the beautiful town of Machynlleth.”