The UK’s newest annual literary festival will take place in the town of Cydweli, Carmarthenshire, August 2012. The three-day Bank Holiday event has been designed to showcase the “very best” of new and established Welsh and British authors. A series of lectures, seminars and readings will take place throughout by some of the UK’s most celebrated art, literary and political figures. Literary giants from many of the biggest publishing houses are also expected to descend on the pretty west Wales town in search of unsigned talent.The highlight of the Festival is the presentation of the specially-created Cydweli Book Award for “outstanding debut novelists”. The Award is open to both adults and children, alike.The Festival – strapline: Inclusive, Not Exclusive - is the brainchild of the bestselling Welsh author Julian Ruck and his publishing house, Dinefwr Press. A Festival Committee had already been convened and the event has the backing of the Town Mayor, members of the Cydweli Civic Society, local dignitaries, and the majority of local businesses. Mr Ruck said the purpose of the Festival was fourfold – to promote literacy in children, to award debut novelists for their efforts, to put Cydweli “on the map” and boost the local economy, and to expand the cultural horizons of Wales. He said: “I’ve always dreamed of opening Wales up and establishing something similar to the Edinburgh Festival – a long-awaited celebration of literature of all types.“In practical terms, this dream has taken many, many years to realise.“But all the effort will be worth it. Cydweli is the perfect location to hold the UK's newest literary festival, with its Norman castle and other stunning attractions.” Click here to get more information.