Kate Humble and children from schools all around Hay made Christmas Lanterns at a Festival workshop this evening held in Hay Public Library. Processing merrily through the streets Kate and the children walked to the Market Square for the annual turning on of the Christmas Lights with Hay School Choir singing in celebration.
Horatio Clare interviewed Kate Humble at the Festival Marquee this evening about her new book Thinking on My Feet which tells the story of Kate's walking year. 'For me, walking feels as vital as breathing' Kate explained. 'The rhythm is incredibly therapeutic and gives me a sensory and physical connection to where I am.... there is always something to notice, the natural world is never still.'
Kate described how valuable her childhood lived outdoors was to her: 'The naturalist in me was learnt as a child through snail racing' - and shared her feeling that children are not given the chance to learn from connection with the outdoors in school now: 'How are we going to have the next generation of people fighting for the landscape if we do not teach them?'
Audio from Hay Festival Winter Weekend events will be available on Hay Player.