The annual event has published details of its Schools Programme, which will run from May 24 to 28 – ahead of the main Hay Festival which takes place from May 26 to June 6.
Five sessions will be broadcast daily for pupils across key stages 1 to 4 with each event accompanied by free teaching materials and active learning activities, available to view live or on replay, along with the Festival’s full Programme for Schools archive.
Key stage 1: There will be performance poetry from Joseph Coelho, outdoor adventures with Michael Holland (I Ate Sunshine for Breakfast), tips on How to Change the World with Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Simon Mole (I Love My Bike), and fun with Maria Vegara (Little People, BIG DREAMS).
Key stage 2: Pupils can get creative in events with Matt Lucas and his Very Very Very Very Very Very Very Silly Book of Pranks, go on location with Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Noah’s Gold) and Abi Elphinstone (The Crackledawn Dragon), and join Robert Winston as he explores the world of science. Other guests include Adam Kay (Kay’s Anatomy), David Baddiel (Future Friend) and Konnie Huq.
Key stages 3 and 4: There will be events led by authors, poets, illustrators and performers exploring topical issues including the environment and sustainability, inclusivity, wellbeing, and the importance of reading for pleasure. Guests include Benjamin Dean (Me My Dad and the End of the Rainbow), Robert Muchamore (The Cherub Series), Liz Kessler (When the World Was Ours), Phil Earle (Surrounded by Stories), Liz Hyder (Bearmouth), Manjeet Maan (The Crossing), Jeffrey Boakye (Musical Truth), Lisa Williamson (First Day of My Life), and Patrick Ness (A Monster Calls) on screenwriting.
All events will be captioned in Welsh and English and compèred by either Welsh poet Anni Llŷn or writer and presenter Radzi Chinyanganya. Meanwhile, the festival has also released two digital Beacons Project workshops aimed at emerging writers aged 16 to 18.
- Parents, teachers and young people can register for the free sessions now at www.hayfestival.org/schools and more details on the emerging writers workshops, visit www.hayfestival.org/beacons-project