Hay Festival 2024

On an Eardisley farm, in conservative, rural Mid Wales, lives Dean Goodwin-Evans aka Boo La Croux: farmer, organiser of Hereford Pride, professional hairdresser, son of an Aston Villa footballer, husband of Paul, lover of horses, and Miss Drag UK 2021. Billie Charity is an award-winning portrait and reportage photographer who has worked closely with David Hurn, John Bulmer and Niall McDiarmid. She has published two critically-acclaimed photo books, People of Hay and Colour.

In a special Hay Festival live recording of their hit podcast, comedian Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts, Ed Gillespie and Mark Stevenson, explore the ‘Future of Friday Night’, with special guest, BBC Radio 6 Music’s Amy Lamé. As pubs and nightclubs close are we doomed to binge-drinking on the sofa at home in front of Netflix? Is flirting beyond dating apps dead? Will the Great British Friday Night Out go the way of the dodo, or is there a new era of conscious hedonism being born? Will the authentic visceral experience of live performance get us up and out? Can we twerk our tushes into a better tomorrow? Grab a cocktail, mocktail or whatever whets your whistle for the usual riotous adventures in the imagination of the possible.

How many times have you wished you were able to explain something clearly and confidently? In this event, the BBC presenter and journalist Ros Atkins, creator of the Ros Atkins on… explainer series, shares the secrets he’s learned from years of working in high-pressure newsrooms, identifying the ten elements of a good explanation and the seven steps you need to take to express yourself as persuasively and accurately as possible.

Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, taking an exam or interviewing for a job, in The Art of Explanation Atkins provides the ultimate guide to communicating as effectively as possible. Atkins is BBC News’ analysis editor and the creator and presenter of Outside Source on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. In conversation with journalist and author, Oliver Bullough.

Make your summer more salad-full in this demo and tasting event with the River Cottage chef. Alderson demonstrates how, with a bit of creativity and flair, simple ingredients can be combined to make truly great salads. Watch him as he cooks knockout recipes in front of you using everyday foods, drawing on his book River Cottage Great Salads – and you get to taste the results. He redefines the idea of salad, as playful flavour pairings, clever techniques and vibrant dressings bring out the very best in seasonal produce. Executive Head Chef of River Cottage for over ten years, Alderson has worked with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to create the menus served in all six River Cottage restaurants.

Get an exclusive preview of Jodi Picoult’s new novel By Any Other Name, to be published in October. Moving between Elizabethan England and modern-day Manhattan, it explores the theme of identity and the ways in which two women, centuries apart – one of whom might be the real author of Shakespeare’s plays – are both forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard. Jodi Picoult describes her 29th novel as the “book of my heart”, the one she was destined to write. She describes the sleuthing she carried out to establish her character Emilia’s links to Shakespeare, and her personal experiences as playwright and author.

The Will Barnes Quartet bring us an auditory treat to Hay Festival. Source of the Severn is their debut album – an evocative, fluid collection mixing hints of Wales with immaculately performed jazz. Will Barnes (guitar) is joined by James Batten (drums), Jack Gonsalez (piano) and Clovis Phillips (bass) – a tight collective of highly experienced jazz instrumentalists. Their original music is a modern take on the classic bebop era with influences of Wes Montgomery, Bill Evans, Pat Metheny and Oscar Peterson, further taking inspiration from the exquisite landscape of Mid Wales and the Marches. The beautiful album artwork by skilled landscape artist Erin Hughes is also very covetable!

Marcel Lucont (Comedy Central at the Comedy Store, Sky Atlantic’s Set List, BBC1’s John Bishop Show) presents a feast of international cabaret. For one night only, he presents: Rob Deering, the UK’s foremost guitar-wielding, loop-layering stand-up comedian; Sara Twister, internationally renowned circus artiste from Berlin; and Jon Udry, winner of British Young Juggler of the Year! Cabaret Fantastique has no fixed abode – a cult hit at festivals worldwide, each programme of entertainment is handpicked by Marcel. You’ll be served up a luscious plate of the finest performers from the world of cabaret, comedy, circus, poetry, magic and music, all held together with dry wit and a dry white.

Join comedian Robin Ince for his unique Book Club, in which he chats with guests about the weirdest books and strangest stories they have read, and their secret reading obsessions. He brings along many of his favourite pulpy horrors, awkward romances and most eccentric self help guides. Expect an exhilarating tour around these books, where readings from Crabs on the Rampage will be twinned with Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin. Robin was named Author of the Year by the Booksellers Association and his most recent book, Bibliomaniac: An Obsessive’s Tour of the Bookshops of Britain was described by the TLS as “a tonic”. Don’t miss this event exclusively designed for Hay Festival 2024.

Start your day with an hour of yoga blending movement, mantra, meditation and breathwork. The classes support detoxification and regeneration – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our daily yoga classes are brought to you by a collective of ten highly skilled practitioners, all local to Hay-on-Wye. Each practitioner has their own style, but with all you can expect a mindful, student-focused practice with clear cueing and functional sequencing.

Whether you need grounding and recharging before a busy day at the Festival, an opportunity to stretch and move your body, or simply an hour to focus on your breathing, these classes are open and accessible to all. Practitioners will adapt to different levels of experience, providing options for deepening or softening within poses so that each student takes what they need from the practice. Beginners and experienced students are most welcome. Yoga mats are provided.

A great reason to come early, grab a coffee and get the chance to hear some incredible guests with memorable stories. Saturday Live at Hay will be presented by Huw Stephens and Kiri Pritchard McLean. They’ll be joined by Today programme presenter Mishal Hussain, designer Anita Mangan, actor, and comedian Stephen Mangan (brother of Anita) , and writer of the Emperor and Conqueror series Conn Iggulden.

A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes of this unique and historic building. Visit at a time of your choice during Castle opening hours.

Hay Castle’s executive director Tom True introduces the key moments and characters from the castle’s past followed by a continental breakfast.

Featured in the BBC’s Digging for Britain, Snodhill Castle is the hidden gem of the Golden Valley. Explore the Norman ruins including the high keep, Royal Free Chapel and the newly-discovered ‘panic room’, and hear the story of its discovery and preservation. Guided by Garry Crook, castle expert and Chair of the Snodhill Castle Preservation Trust.

Come for a wild swim in the Wye with adventure and wild swimming specialist Angela Jones. The author of Wild Swimming the River Wye is passionate about protecting and respecting the river, its environment and wildlife. She shows how to engage in wild swimming with love and respect, testing the water for cleanliness and observing when it’s safe, before leading a guided wild swim session. Beginners and seasoned swimmers alike will gain a wealth of knowledge, including tips on acclimation, water safety, equipment, technique, reading the river and undercurrents.

You will meet Angela on the banks of the river at By the Wye Glamping Site, HR3 5RS, located just past the main bridge into Hay on the B4351
(What3Words : lifestyle.waving.cavalier).

The session starts at 10am and ends at 12pm at the river.

There is no parking at the swim site, please park in one of the designated carparks around town.

Start your day at Hay Festival with our daily news review. Join our leading journalists and special guests as they take us behind the headlines with insider perspectives, insights and an eye on what’s next. Strong coffee recommended!

Among today’s guests are Areeba Hamid, Co-executive Director of Greenpeace UK and former leader of the global finance programme at The Sunrise Project, and Patrick Vallance, former UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) from 2018-2023, Chief Scientific Advisor for COP26 and Chair of the Natural History Museum. Chaired by The Independent editor Geordie Greig.

Working at the heart of Russian power, the enigmatic Vadim Baranov – nicknamed the Wizard of the Kremlin – is Putin’s chief spin doctor. Using his background in experimental theatre and reality TV to turn the entire country into an avant-garde political stage, he’s discovered the lines between truth and lies, news and propaganda have become indistinguishable, and he wants out. Political scientist and prize-winning writer Giuliano da Empoli tells journalist Misha Glenny about his all-too-plausible novel The Wizard of the Kremlin, taking readers into the heart of the Kremlin, and how fiction can give us insights into real-world events and figures.

Broadcaster and author Kate Humble talks to three remarkable individuals who created leading climate projects, igniting hope and progress, all inspired by events at Hay Festival in previous years.

Film producer Franny Armstrong honed the groundbreaking 1010 Campaign with Ed Miliband on the train back from Hay Festival in 2009; Garry Charnock was inspired by an event at Hay Festival 2005 featuring Sir David King to create the first carbon neutral village, in Ashton Hayes; and Professor Ed Hawkins created the Climate Stripes, illustrating temperature change, as part of the Hay Festival Trans.MISSION project in 2018.

Come along and be inspired to create your own projects and help transform our society to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Guides from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park lead a walk through the beautiful surrounds of Hay-on-Wye. You’ll be joined by local experts who will give their insights into this treasured landscape.

Hay-on-Wye is based within 520 square miles of beautiful landscape that makes up the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The National Park is driving change to bring about a sustainable future, meeting our needs within planetary boundaries. Their Hay Festival series of walks take you into the town’s local environment while offering the opportunity to learn more about the Park’s work and its treasured landscape.

Did you know that something as simple as planting a sunflower can provide food for insects and birds? CBeebies’ Hamza Yassin explains how everyday nature heroes play a crucial part in our ecosystem, and how you have a role to play too! From the smallest seed to the tallest tree, everything in nature has a purpose. Come on your own Eco Quest and find out how to make your nature walks an interactive journey of discovery. Can you find some lichen on a wall or tree, earthworms in the ground or a dandelion growing through a crack in the pavement?

Get super brainy with zero effort thanks to Waldo Pancake, aka Jim Smith, the author and illustrator behind the Barry Loser books. Why is misspelling stuff a sign of grate intelly-genz? What have the hours in the day got to do with finger bones? Why does rain on a pavement smell so delish? Zany and laugh-out-loud bonkers, Jim introduces his new graphic novel and teaches you how to be a Genius Kid!

Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to draw along in this event.

Get your Hay day off to a brilliant start with our daily Ready, Steady, Music workshops! With different activities each day, these interactive, fun-filled sessions for mini musicians will have you tapping sticks, roaring like dinosaurs, flying with unicorns, dancing with scarves, playing with parachutes and much more. Come and meet our puppets, explore our instruments and be accompanied by the beautiful sound of the cello.

Come to the Family Garden for a pizza masterclass with Kitchen Garden Pizza. In this one-hour session your imagination and creativity will be fed along with your belly! You’ll get your hands messy with freshly grown and foraged ingredients, make and top your own dough and observe the pizzaioli at work at the wood-fired oven. And while you wait for your pizza to cook, you can decorate your own pizza box!
Dairy-free and gluten-free options available

An opportunity to get crafting! Activities differ every day, including everything from print-making to junk modelling with recycled materials. Get messy and creative: your imagination is the limit.

Book for the session and you can drop in at any point during the 1.5 hour duration. Accompanying adults: please stay in attendance at all times, but you do not require a ticket.

Come to the Family Garden for a pizza masterclass with Kitchen Garden Pizza. In this one-hour session your imagination and creativity will be fed along with your belly! You’ll get your hands messy with freshly grown and foraged ingredients, make and top your own dough and observe the pizzaioli at work at the wood-fired oven. And while you wait for your pizza to cook, you can decorate your own pizza box.
Dairy-free and gluten-free options available

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Plunge into a meditation on love and generational trauma with the author of the Man Booker Prize-winning The Gathering, in conversation with journalist, Julia Wheeler. Nell is a young woman with adventure on her mind, but as she sets out into the world, she finds her family history hard to escape. For her mother, Carmel, Nell’s leaving home opens a space in her heart, where the turmoil of a lifetime begins to churn. And across the generations falls the long shadow of Carmel’s famous father, an Irish poet of beautiful words and brutal actions. Dublin-based author Anne Enright was the first Laureate for Irish Fiction, and in 2018 received the Irish PEN Award for Outstanding Contribution to Irish Literature.

A chemical engineer working on energy, Yasmin Ali takes us across the globe to discover solar panel farms shimmering in the desert and power stations hidden deep in the mountains. In Power Up she explains where we get our energy from, how it is moved and used around the world – and why we need to understand the whole system if we want to transition towards a clean, green future. For his new book, Intervention Earth, journalist and writer Gwynne Dyer interviewed over 50 of the world’s leading climate scientists. From fission power to fake meat, from the deep seas to the jet stream, he reveals the most creative scientific thinking on how we might still solve the most frightening problem of our age.

People power is unstoppable, says barrister Michael Mansfield KC, and he would know; he has spent his career fighting injustice, persecution and corruption, representing people including the Birmingham Six, Stephen Lawrence’s family, and the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster and of the Grenfell fire. Mansfield talks to lawyer Farhana Yamin about his 50 years of fighting for justice, some of his most important cases and why he believes that when people get together they can make lasting and positive change.

Immerse yourself in the inspiring Welsh countryside with poet, playwright and rapper Ashleigh Nugent, Creative Director of RiseUp, a Manchester-based organisation that empowers individuals to better their circumstances, prospects and wellbeing. In a unique event curated by the Black British Book Festival, you’re invited to write lines that capture the essence of the natural world, inspired by your surroundings, allowing nature to infuse depth into your writing. Let Nugent’s live poetry performance transport you to new realms of imagination under the open sky of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

This is your chance to sing with vocal coach and choir director Juliet Russell, as she teaches the 1980s classic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ in honour of Wales’ own Bonnie Tyler. You’ll learn warm-ups, harmonies, breathing and performance techniques in this uplifting, inclusive and energising session. Russell has worked with Grammy, BRiT and MOBO artists. Her TV credits include The Voice and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.

Come on down and unlock your brain power! The No Brainer Show is an outrageously entertaining event hosted in person by bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney. You’ll be invited to join Jeff on stage and to face off in brain-challenging game show-style activities to support your local library. Expect an epically fun event that celebrates the latest Wimpy Kid book and explores the outer limits of the brain.

Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to draw along in this event.

In Mice on the Moon, the heroic Adventuremice have been summoned by an inventor-mouse. Millie’s Uncle Bernie has built a spaceship and he wants them to fly it. BOOM! Pedro and his friends blast into outer space, where they become the first mice on the moon. Or so they think…

Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to draw along in this event.