The saga of Planet continues

Update on the story of the closure of one of Wales' most respected cultural journal, from its editor.

The fallout and controversy over the Books Council of Wales’s handling of last year’s funding review of Welsh cultural magazines continues to unfold, and the interest of the Senedd’s culture committee also seems undimmed.

The latest overview of the situation is summarised by erstwhile editor of defunded magazine Planet, Emily Trahair, who yesterday published an extended version of her editorial from Planet’s valedictory issue from a few months ago. It’s a long read, and you may have read the original article, but it’s worth revisiting in full, I think, for a refresher.

Particularly interesting is the postscript, in which Emily details the interactions with the committee, and where they seem to be on that.

You can read the article here.

And don’t forget, I’ll be in Aberystwyth Waterstones from 7pm tonight to sit down and chat with Mike Parker about Abandon All Hope. Tickets and more details are here.

Hope to see you there!

Gary Raymond is a novelist, author, playwright, critic, and broadcaster. In 2012, he co-founded Wales Arts Review, was its editor for ten years. His latest book, Abandon All Hope: A Personal Journey Through the History of Welsh Literature is out now with Calon Books.