BBC Radio 6 presenter Huw Stephens was one of the highlights of this year’s Penarth Literary Festival.

The nine-day festival, organised by Griffin Books, included talks, signings, workshops, and seminars at venues across Penarth between June 15 to 23.

Stephens appeared on the penultimate night in front of a packed-out crowd at All Saints Church promoting his latest book Wales – 100 Records.

The book highlights the careers of some of the most important and influential recording artists that Wales has ever produced, with reviews saying it was a must-read story for music lovers from Wales and beyond!

Stephens was promoting his book 'Wales - 100 Records'Stephens was promoting his book 'Wales - 100 Records' (Image: Griffin Books insta)

Stephens spoke in front of a packed-out audience at All Saints ChurchStephens spoke in front of a packed-out audience at All Saints Church (Image: Griffin Books Insta)

Other highlights of the festival included chats with art historian Ceri Thomas, independent curator David Moore and art lecturer Stella Grace Lyons.

Griffin Books said on their Instagram page they were delighted with how the event went.

“It's already been a week since the end of the 2024 Penarth Literary Festival,” said Griffin Books, “and we're still not over it!

“What a brilliant week it was: 14 events in nine days across eight different venues featuring 26 incredible authors and speakers! Phew! And yes, we're still recovering!”

Emerging Welsh literary stars attending the festival included Joshua Jones, Elizabeth O'Connor, and Alex McCarthy who talked about their debut publications, significance of their connections to Wales and the importance of literary awards in the festival’s first Fiction Showcase.

Griffin Books' lit festival is a huge draw for the townGriffin Books' lit festival is a huge draw for the town (Image: Griffin Books Insta)

Owner Mel Griffin did some of the interviewingOwner Mel Griffin did some of the interviewing (Image: Griffin Books Insta)

There's also events for kidsThere's also events for kids (Image: Griffin Books insta)

Penarth's own Stephanie Matthews used the festival as a platform to launch her new book, The Drummond Affair.

And Children’s Laureate Wales, Alex Wharton, with the help of novelist Sarah Todd Taylor, spearheaded sessions for the younger crowd at the Makerspace in Penarth Library.

Griffin Books added: “Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and came along to support us and the authors. We really are very lucky to be part of such a fabulously supportive community here in Penarth.

“A special shout out to our Festival Friends who felt part of the team by the end of the week.”

Follow Griffin Books for all their updates at @griffinbooksuk.