This year's Gŵyl Arall in Caernarfon will be one of the most ambitious in recent years, according to organisers.

The popular arts and culture festival gets underway on Wednesday with a poetry evening, before attention turns to the Wales Book of the Year Awards at Galeri on Thursday night.

Until Sunday night, Gŵyl Arall ('Another Festival') aims to transform the town centre into a lively hub of music, literature, performance and discusson.

Among this year's highlights are: 

• Live music from Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Hyll, Alffa, Ffenest, Achlysurol and more
• Talks and lectures with journalist Will Hayward, historian Elin Tomos and biomedical science lecturer Dr Dylan Wyn Jones 
• An exhibition at Caernarfon Castle featuring over 20 artists and performances by Hedydd Ioan, Esyllt Angharad Lewis, Cerys Hafana, Amy Huckstep and the Crawia poetry collective 
• Literary events featuring leading Welsh writers including Iola Ynyr, Geraint Iwan, Tudur Owen, Mikey Bell, Non Prys Ifans, Rhian Cadwalader and many more 
• Stand-up comedy shows with Katie Gill, Carwyn Blaney, Caryl Burke and Steffan Evans 
• Family-friendly story sessions with Catrin Angharad Jones and Casia Wiliam  
• Guided local walks with Rhys Mwyn and Siân Shakespear

Gŵyl Arall organisers say this year's line-up reflects the festival's growing reputation as a key fixture in Wales' cultural calendar - with local businesses, venues and volunteers continuing to play a key role in shaping the event.

“Gŵyl Arall is a celebration of who we are — our language, our stories, and our shared imagination,” said the festival team. “We’re proud to bring artists, audiences, and the community together once again in the unique setting of Caernarfon.” 

Tickets - and a full programme of events - can be found on the festival website and via Gŵyl Arall on social media.