Dylan Thomas Day, celebrating the poet’s life and work, has been announced, with an open, international invitation to join in.

For the past three years, Dylan Thomas Day has been held on 14^th May, anniversary of the first stage reading of Under Milk Wood at The Poetry Center, New York, in 1953. No longer funded by the Welsh government, Dylan’s grand-daughter Hannah Ellis now hosts the day on her website.

The day aims to celebrate and raise the profile of Thomas’ work with activities ranging from a chance to contribute to the world’s longest love poem in the Love the Words competition, the International Dylan Thomas Prize - £30,000 for the best published literary work in English, written by an author aged 39 or under, and events at Swansea University and the British Library.

There’s also John Hurt starring in film That Good Night, taking its name from the famous poem. Based on N J Crisp’s play, this opens in UK cinemas on 11 May.

In Mauritius, poet and author Vatsala Radhakeesoon invites poets, authors and artists to share their views of Thomas and his works on his blog on Dylan Thomas Day, closing date for entries, 30 April.

Love the Words competition asks for contributions to what organisers hope will become the world’s longest love poem, entries collated into a final version by Dylan’s grand-daughter, Hannah Ellis, and poet Mab Jones, and showcased on Discover Dylan Thomas website.

There will be more events in the UK, Italy, France, Australia, and the USA, details to be announced shortly. [Hopefully on Write Out Loud gig guide.]

Organisers are offering use of the Dylan Day logo for anyone, anywhere, creating a Dylan Thomas event.

Cerys Matthews has been quoted as saying: "Falling on the anniversary of the world premiere of Under Milk Wood, Dylan Day is a great excuse to celebrate not only this fine wordsmith but also the world's great heritage of plays, poems, essays and literature."

More information from Hannah Ellis and Mab Jones: 07542877481 / intdylanthomasday@gmail.com/ hannah@discoverdylanthomas.com