FOR the fourth year, Span Arts are presenting a three-day celebration of writing and reading with the title 'Word Feast'‚ this year subtitled 'Words and Music'. The event takes place in Narberth at the Queen's Hall and the Span building from October 30 to November 1.

Appearing at this year's Word Feast will be a host of writers and story tellers including Robin Williamson (from the Incredible String Band), Mary Anne Roberts, Liz Whittaker, Michael Harvey and Sue Hamblen.

Children's writer Liz Whittaker will start the event with a workshop for children over eight years based on her story 'auldron of the Undead!', which will end in a dramatic version acted out by the children taking part. She will continue with a workshop for adults who would like to start writing for children and need some pointers to get them launched.

The evening at the Queen's Hall will start with a performance by Bragod, who consist of storyteller and singer Mary Anne Roberts and Crwth player Robert Evans. They will entertain with stories and music from the Middle Ages to the present. Later the same evening, local poets will have a chance to read their work, with Sue Hamblen leading the process.

Friday is Hallowe'en which today is celebrated in the American way copying Hollywood films, but the origins of the feast lie in the ancient Christian church. Robin Williamson and his wife Bina will present an evening drawn from the ancient traditions of Celtic spirituality and feature the couples‚ voices in a collage of text - spoken and sung with harp, fiddle, flute, and percussion.

Robin Williamson is best known for his time in The Incredible String Band, but he is also a prolific writer and researcher on Celtic mysteries

Michael Harvey is a well known and respected writer who has appeared at festivals around Europe and America. He will give a talk on storytelling for adults and translating oral stories to the written word. His workshop will start at 2 pm in the Span building.

To complete the event on a high note and in Salsa rhythm, Span is joining with Global Connections to present the Cuban dance band Los Yumas at the Queen's Hall, for an evening of style and grace. This six-piece band play the traditional 'Son' music of Santiago de Cuba in their own distinctive style. A rare opportunity to experience authentic Cuban dance music.

Full details of the event can be found on the Span website http://www.span-arts.org.uk">www.span-arts.org.uk or by calling 01834 869323.