Influential Welsh Poet Readings in Newport, Pembrokeshire

Menna Elfyn, one of Wales’s most influential poets is hosting an evening of special readings in Welsh and English at Canolfan Bethlehem in Newport, Pembrokeshire on Wednesday the 12th of November at 6.30pm.

Menna Elfyn, one of Wales’s most influential poets, will be at Canolfan Bethlehem on 12 November at 6.30pm for a special reading from her new collection Parch.

Menna Elfyn’s poetry explores powerful themes of language, identity, respect and justice. This is her sixth collection with Bloodaxe, featuring English translations and new poems.

The Bethlehem Centre has now held over 25 heritage talks since reopening the doors on the old chapel back in March 2025.  Over the summer many succesful talks were held at the community location with the Seal Bay talk drawing in over 230 people to listen to the international incidents on the Newport coastline. The venue is proving a valuable community asset that is developing a Heritage Centre at the site. 

The old chapel was bought by community heritage and cultural supporters in September 2024 and is awaiting the outcome of heritage grant bids to transform the chapel site into a modern heritage visitor centre. People are encouraged to come along and support the community campaign.