Read Write Yap

This September, the RWY in Royal William Yard stands for something new: Read Write Yap – a brand-new literary festival celebrating books, stories and the words that shape us, spread across a whole month of events and activities at the Yard. The festival is built around three simple ideas: reading, writing and talking, in whatever form that takes.

Whether you're a passionate bookworm, a curious browser, a family with young children or someone who just likes the idea of sitting somewhere beautiful with a good story, there's something here for you.

Taking place throughout September, we have an array of events and activities to enjoy. Some will happen for the whole month, others on specific dates. Starting with a silent book club in the Yard's microbrewery and ending with a market on The Green celebrating all things reading and writing, the programme spans author talks, spoken word, workshops, guided walks and book-to-screen cinema screenings – there will be something for everyone.

Keep checking this page for updates – more events and activities will be added to the programme.

Join us at any point in September to get involved in an array of bookish activities.

SECOND HAND BOOK STALL

1-30 September

Pop-Up Shop, Unit 5, Arcade, Brewhouse, Royal William Yard

The Pop-Up Market shop is home to a second-hand bookstall for the whole of September. Come and browse a shifting selection of preloved titles, and leave with a tome or two.

BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK

1-30 September

Pop-Up Shop, Unit 5, Arcade, Brewhouse, Royal William Yard

Your next favourite book could be a complete stranger. Pick up a book, wrapped in brown paper and string, read the clue – genre, mood, a hint of what’s inside – and take a chance. Pick from a mix of new and second-hand books for a small fee.

BIG LITTLE STORY COMPETITION

1-30 September

Pebble, Unit 2, Arcade, Brewhouse, Royal William Yard

Calling all creative children! Pebble, the family-run childrenswear and womenswear boutique in the Arcade, is running a short story competition for young writers throughout September. Two age categories: 5-7 years and 8-10 years, with one prompt to get you started: "It all started when I found…" Stories should be up to 250 words. Pick up an entry sheet in store, write at home or on the spot, and drop it in the postbox. Every child who enters receives a Storytelling Star certificate, and the winner of each category takes home a hamper containing books and treats.

DOG STICK LIBRARY

1-30 September

Outside Nala’s Pet Co, Arcade, Brewhouse, Royal William Yard

We couldn't have a literary festival without something for the dogs. The stick library is a dedicated spot where four-legged visitors can take a stick, have a very good time with it, and (unlike a library) keep hold of it if they don’t wish to return it. No library card required and no late fees either!

HAIKU POEM DISPLAY

1-30 September

Melville Corner, Royal William Yard

Hai Coo's Trail has been a public installation of haiku and Japanese short form poetry, curated by Plymouth Laureate of Words in conjunction with Literature Works. This has been a trail across the city, following Hai Coo the Pigeon around Plymouth's streets and shop windows, and we are bringing all 20 poems together in one place.

200 EXHIBITION

1-30 September

11am – 5pm

Melville Corner, Royal William Yard

Read Write Yap is a celebration of stories in all their forms – and the 200 Exhibition is full of them. Royal William Yard’s free, self-guided history exhibition brings together extensive research, original documents, letters, books, and personal testimonials into an exhibition with plenty to read and discover.

Read Write Yap launches during the National Year of Reading – a Department for Education initiative championing reading not as obligation, but as one of life's genuine pleasures. At Royal William Yard, we think that's an idea worth celebrating. Find out more here.