Bob Dylan expert to host Swansea talks as legend’s arena shows sell out

Talks at Elysium Gallery and Dylan Thomas Centre

Author and cultural commentator Chris Gregory will host two book presentations in Swansea:

• Sunday 9 November, 2pm – Elysium Gallery
• Wednesday 12 November, 2.30pm – Dylan Thomas Centre

The events coincide with Dylan’s Rough and Rowdy Ways world tour, which includes three nights at the Swansea Building Society Arena from 9–11 November.

New book explores Dylan’s metamorphoses

Gregory’s latest work, Minstrel Boy: The Metamorphoses of Bob Dylan, is the second volume in his ambitious Picasso of Song trilogy. Released in October 2025, the book examines Dylan’s creative journey between 1967 and 1990 — a period marked by retreat, resurgence and rebirth.

The study explores Dylan’s influences from folk, blues, country, gospel and rock and roll, while weaving in cultural references from William Blake to American gospel traditions. Gregory says the book is written to be “accessible and enjoyable to fans and general readers alike,” balancing scholarly analysis with lively accounts of Dylan’s many live performances.

A definitive trilogy in progress

The trilogy is being written in reverse chronological order. Gregory’s first volume, Determined to Stand: The Reinvention of Bob Dylan, explored Dylan’s later career. Minstrel Boy now turns to the middle years, while a third volume will cover Dylan’s early rise.

Gregory is also known for his long‑running website From the Pen of Chris Gregory, which has attracted more than 100,000 visits, and his podcast Bob Dylan: A Headful of Ideas, praised internationally for its depth and insight.

Dylan in Swansea

Dylan’s own concerts at the Swansea Arena sold out rapidly, with fans eager to see the Nobel Prize‑winning songwriter perform tracks from his acclaimed 2020 album Rough and Rowdy Ways. The shows will be staged as “phone‑free” events, with audiences asked to lock away their devices to create a more immersive experience.

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Dylan Thomas Exhibition in running for national award

Operated by Swansea Council, the Love the Words Exhibition and its accompanying engagement programme offer an immersive introduction to the life and work of Dylan Thomas, one of the 20th century’s most iconic literary figures and a proud native of Swansea.

This recognition celebrates the exhibition team’s dedication to creating welcoming, engaging, and educational experiences that resonate with children and families.

Councillor Elliot King, Cabinet for Culture, Human Rights & Equalities at Swansea Council welcomed the nomination, stating: “This honour reflects our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring environment where young people can explore Dylan Thomas’s enduring legacy. His imaginative use of language continues to captivate and inspire, and we are proud to share that with new generations.”

The exhibition features interactive displays, multimedia installations, and a specially designed children’s trail. Authentic artefacts and a diverse programme of events provide a comprehensive and accessible exploration of Thomas’ literary contributions, his deep ties to Swansea, and his global influence.

The Kids in Museums shortlisting panel praised the centre’s inclusive approach and its strong community partnerships, particularly in supporting families during the cost-of-living crisis. Feedback from visiting families highlighted the centre’s welcoming atmosphere and the thoughtful design of its activities.

Young visitors have also shared their enthusiasm.

‘This is the best place ever!’ – Elijah, age 6

“I really enjoyed the Quiet Paper Making Workshop. I made 4 sheets with nature poetry and seeds on it. We also enjoyed looking around the exhibition. The staff were very friendly and made me feel comfortable” Annie, age 10

The Kids in Museums Awards are organised by the national charity of the same name, which champions family-friendly museum experiences across the UK. Winners will be announced in October 2025.

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Recognition for Dylan Thomas Centre’s support for refugees

The centre has achieved coveted Arts Centre of Sanctuary status from the City of Sanctuary programme that recognises and celebrates communities and organisations which go above and beyond to welcome people seeking sanctuary.

The centre has been running creative sessions for asylum seekers and refugees since the early 2000s, and joins other venues, including Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Library Service, National Waterfront Museum and some of our schools who have also achieved sanctuary status. 

And one of the judges’ panel which assessed the bid spoke of their own experience using the centre to connect with communities in Swansea, praising it’s welcoming spirit.

They said: “I have had opportunities to come to the Dylan Thomas Centre to attend some events, especially Eric Ngalle Charles’s writing workshop. I must say that all the staff I met or interacted with were welcoming, polite, and respectful, always ready to help and show you your way around.”

Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, said: “Congratulations to the team at the Dylan Thomas Centre for their achievement.

“Swansea is proud to be Wales’ first Human Rights City and the judges’ personal endorsement of what the team is doing with support from the council is a tribute to their commitment and compassion.

“The Dylan Thomas Centre has always been a landmark for those who love the words of Wales’ most celebrated author and now it is also recognised as a haven for those fleeing war or persecution.”

Jo Furber, Literature Officer at the Dylan Thomas Centre, said: “We are very pleased to be joining a group of Swansea venues recognised for our joint commitment towards providing safe places and support for asylum seekers and their families at especially challenging periods in their lives.

“In addition to City of Sanctuary, we work with organisations such as Swansea Asylum Seekers Support, Unity in Diversity and Foothold Cymru to offer creative workshops for all ages.

“These workshops have also been recognised in the UK wide Museum Association run ‘Museums Change Lives’ awards, winning the Best Small Museum project in 2020.”

The centre is currently running a programme of creative writing workshops for people seeking sanctuary, led by Eric Ngalle Charles, who himself found refuge in Wales.

Participants in the workshops will share their work at an event at the Dylan Thomas Centre on 21 June to celebrate Refugee Week (16 – 22 June).

In 2010, Swansea became the UK’s second official City of Sanctuary. Three years ago Swansea was declared Wales’ first Human Rights City.

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