A renowned poet will be the special guest at the next Cellar Bards event.

Professor Tony Curtis, also a critic and an essayist, will be sharing some of his latest works in Cardigan on Friday, October 11.

He will be reading from his newest poetry collection, "Leaving the Hills" at The Cellar on Quay Street.

The event will open its doors at 7.30pm, with entry costing £3.

Attendees who wish to participate in the open mic slots can sign up at the door by 8pm.

Professor Curtis, born in Carmarthen, has a rich history rooted in the town and in Pembrokeshire and has a career spanning four decades in education.

He worked as Wales' first Professor of Poetry at the University of Glamorgan, where he directed the M. Phil in Writing.

His literary contribution is extensive, with more than 40 published books (written and edited), and he has been recognised with several awards, including a Gregory Award and the Dylan Thomas Award for Spoken Poetry.

His latest collection, "Leaving the Hills", features poems that span across California to Carmarthen, medieval Ireland to contemporary Wales.

Professor Curtis’ work emphasises the precariousness and urgency of modern life.

One of the highlights in the collection is his exploration of South Wales valleys, particularly the photographs taken by Life magazine photographer I.C. 'Chuck' Rapoport after the 1966 Aberfan mining disaster.

The poems are described as everything he would wish to save from the fire, exploring and defining the times in which we live.

Cellar Bards, Cardigan's staple spoken word event, meets every second Friday of the month.

The group has a full schedule for the rest of the year, including guest readings and performances from Chrys Salt and Des Mannay.

Writers of all kinds, whether into poetry, short stories, micro-fiction, or novels, are invited to take part in the open mic.

People can read their own work or share favourite pieces from other authors, with each person getting a maximum of four minutes at the mic.

There's always a mix of solo readings, guest appearances, and performances from the talented regulars.

Formore details on the event, visit the Cellar Bards Facebook page.