An international day to celebrate the life and work of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, held each year on 14th May, the anniversary of the date when Under Milk Wood was first read on stage at 92Y The Poetry Center, New York in 1953.

“International Dylan Thomas Day gives us a chance each year to celebrate Dylan Thomas’s achievements. There is still the enthusiasm for a national day to mark my grandfather’s life and legacy and we want to keep May 14th as a prominent date on the literary calendar.

Dylan Thomas’s writing has travelled through time – it is as relevant today in our troubled times as when it was written sixty-five years ago. It continues to travel across the globe reaching new audiences everyday. His poetry lives on.

We invite you to tell us about how you are going to mark the day and encourage you, wholeheartedly, to get involved and to love the words.” — Hannah Ellis

International Dylan Thomas Day 2023

On Sunday May 14th 2023 we celebrate International Dylan Thomas Day, the ninth annual celebration of ‘Dylan Day’, a day that is now firmly established on the arts calendar. Each year we encourage arts organisations and groups to stage events, as well as encouraging Dylan Thomas fans to celebrate in their own ways, particularly on social media.

The past three years have been difficult for all of us, and although we are still facing some challenges from Covid-19, we can again this year encourage live events as part of our celebrations. We invite organisations, groups and individuals to find ways to join in with Dylan Day, and once again this year we would also encourage online content;  blogs, vlogs, videos, sound recordings, social media content, and more.

The Dylan Day team have planned a Love the Words Poetry Competition, and a Dylan Thomas Photo Competition, so you can join in wherever you are in world. You can find details further down the page.

Please get in touch and let us know how you will be celebrating. You can contact us via email contact@discoverdylanthomas.com

Thank you for your continued support.

Hannah Ellis

International Dylan Thomas Day 2023 Events

Up to date information about Dylan Day events, self-led activities, and places you can visit on and around May 14th.