SINGER Cerys Matthews will be among guests set to appear at the 12th annual Dylan Thomas Festival.

The former Catatonia singer is due to appear at the festival, which runs from October 26 to November 9, along with author Owen Sheers, songwriter Fflur Dafydd and poet Dannie Abs.

The festival is just one of several cultural events lighting up the city this autumn. The Crime and Punishment exhibition at Swansea Museum runs until the end of December and includes a history of local robbers, thieves, murderers and protesters, as well as the chance to find out about punishments dished out over the years.

Mugshots of some of Swansea's most infamous criminals are also included in the exhibition.

A new display by Swansea-based artist Tim Davies is also now up and running at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery that includes some of the world's most famous bridges shown in a new light.

Visit our Dylan Thomas website

The Family History Centre at the West Glamorgan Archives in the Civic Centre is also now open on Saturdays to give people extra time to research their family trees.

Councillor Graham Thomas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said the city was fortunate to have such facilities on its doorstep.

"Praise should go to the hard-working and creative staff who continuously develop new ideas to ensure all ages and interests are catered for," he added.

For more information on the Dylan Thomas Festival visit dylanthomas.lit@swansea.gov.uk or see www.dylanthomas.com