International Dylan Thomas Day is celebrated on May 14 each year. Dylan Thomas is a Welsh poet renowned for his evocative and emotionally charged poetry as well as his turbulent personal life. Two of his most well-known works are “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” and “Under Milk Wood” On the anniversary of the initial reading of “Under Milk Wood,” the holiday is celebrated. Literature Wales is responsible for coordinating the event, which is funded by the Welsh government after consultation with the Thomas family, the Dylan Thomas estate, and other interested parties.
The background of International Dylan Thomas Day
Dylan Marlais Thomas, a Welsh poet and author, was born in Swansea, Wales, in 1914. Thomas pulled out of school in 1931 to become a reporter for the “South Wales Daily Post,” but he resigned 18 months later under duress. Numerous of his works were published before he graduated from high school. In 1934, the publication of “Light Breaks Where No Sun Shines” captured the attention of the literary community. Thomas became a renowned poet during his lifetime, despite the fact that he struggled to earn a living as a writer. He started performing on stage and on the radio. In the late 1940s, his B.B.C. radio broadcasts drew him to the attention of the general public, and the BBC frequently used him as an approachable voice of the literary scene.
Thomas first travelled to the United States in the 1950s. His performances there earned him widespread renown, but his unpredictability increased. His time in the United States bolstered his reputation, and he went on to record masterpieces such as “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” on vinyl. During his fourth visit to New York in 1953, Thomas fell gravely ill and entered a coma. On November 9, 1953, his passing occurred.
Thomas is considered one of the most influential Welsh poets of the 20th century, despite writing exclusively in English. In works such as “Do not go gently into that good night” and “And death shall have no sway,” he is renowned for his unique, rhythmic, and inventive word and image combinations. Dylan Thomas was extremely popular throughout his life and after his death at the age of 39 in New York City.
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INTERNATIONAL DYLAN THOMAS DAY ACTIVITIES
Research the works of Dylan Thomas
Explore the works of Dylan Thomas in honour of this holiday. You have access to a variety of resources, including books and recordings by Dylan Thomas, as well as audio and video clips of Thomas himself.
Observe the film adaptation of “Under Milk Wood”
This holiday can also be celebrated by watching the film adaptation of Dylan Thomas’s poem “Under Milk Wood” with your friends and family. By comparing the narrative to the poem, you can turn movie night into a game night.
Visit the Poetry Centre at 92Y
Visit the 92Y Poetry Centre, where “Under Milk Wood” was first performed on this date in 1953, to fully appreciate Dylan Thomas Day. The 92Y Poetry Centre also hosts an online exhibit about Thomas.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DYLAN THOMAS
The poem “His Requiem” was plagiarised when it was first published by Thomas.
Thomas and Sylvia Plath, another prominent 20th-century poet, share the same birthday.
In 1933, Dylan’s poetry “The Romantic Isle” was broadcast by the BBC.
Dylan performed in front of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, and Princess Margaret at the Wigmore Hall.
Dylan’s photograph was featured on the cover of The Beatles’ 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” at John Lennon’s request.
INTERNATIONAL DYLAN THOMAS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 14 | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 14 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | May 14 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 14 | Thursday |
| 2027 | May 14 | Friday |