A POPULAR festival will be back for its twelfth year where there will be 'something for everyone'.

The Daniel Owen Festival is delighted to announce this year’s full programme of engaging events, celebrating the life and work of prominent Victorian Welsh language novelist Daniel Owen.

From 15 to 22 October, Mold will once again be buzzing with a week of literature, local history, culture and the spoken word.

There is something on offer for everyone from illustrated talks and lectures to colourful dancing in Daniel Owen Square. Some events are in Welsh, and others are in English or bi-lingual.

Nia Jones, chair of the Festival organising group, said: "We had to find new ways of presenting our rich culture and unique heritage here in North East Wales during last year’s Festival.

"Our online programme reached a world-wide audience and we’ll be making use of some digital technology again this year, with both online and in-person events.

"The online prestigious annual lecture will be given by literary legend, Professor Jerry Hunter, author and winner of the Welsh Book of the Year. The subject of his lecture is ‘Humour in Daniel Owen’s Fiction’, it promises to be a special evening for book lovers everywhere.”"

Like many authors, Daniel Owen was keen on walking. He wrote to his friend Henry Roberts of Bryn Awel in April 1895 advising him to “dispense with your horse and trap”, “Walk, walk, walk!” and “you will live to be a very old man”.

Following in the author’s footsteps the Festival has four unmissable local history walks, which will be guided by Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Clwydian Ramblers and Walkabout Flintshire.

Two of the walks centre on the local estates of Gwysaney and Rhual and their centuries-long influential roles in the local area. With the kind permission of Rhual Farm we will be visiting the Alleluia Monument and the Baptismal Font there.

The programme has two much anticipated illustrated talks, both shining a light on periods of rapid change in Mold. The first will be given by local historian, Brian Bennett on the fascinating ‘Life and times of Daniel Owen’; and the second by Eira Hughes, chair of the Friends of Bailey Hill, looking at the development of Bailey Hill from a medieval castle to a well-loved park and what the future might hold for this important site.

Join in from either the comfort of your arm chair or in-person to enjoy performances, talks and guided walks and take part in the lively discussions centred around Daniel Owen and his home town of Mold.

Programme details for the Festival from 15 to 22 October are on our web site www.danielowenfestival.com or Facebook or follow twitter @DanielOwen1836.

You can also email GwylDanielOwenFestival@gmail.com or phone Mold Town Council on 01352 758532.