You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Alex Wheatle among Hay Festival's free schools line-up
Hay Festival Global has announced the free schools programme to open the spring edition in Hay-on-Wye this year, showcasing writers such as Katie and Kevin Tsang, Jeff Kinney, Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Anthony Horowitz.
The schools programme brings together writers and young readers for a series of inspiring interactive activities and conversations, across in person and online, with support from the Welsh government and the Rothschild Foundation.
Key Stage 2 events on 23rd May also include writers Maz Evans, M G Leonard, Lee Newbery, Tọlá Okogwu and children’s laureate for Wales Alex Wharton.
Key Stage 3 and 4 events on 24th May include Alex Wheatle, Sarah Crossan and Horowitz, among others. A live recording of BBC Radio 4’s “Front Row” will also take place at the festival with the pupils.
More than 7,500 pupils from across England and Wales attended last year’s schools programme at Hay Festival 2023, while digital events over the past three years have reached more than 146,400 pupils through free events online.
Julie Finch, Hay Festival chief executive, said: “Ahead of our main programme launch next month, we are delighted to share the line-up for our free Hay Festival schools programme in Hay-on-Wye this spring.”
She added: “As a charity, we are committed to broadening cultural accessibility and boosting reading for pleasure through dynamic, interactive events and year-round projects. Our schools programme is an annual highlight and we cannot wait to welcome thousands of young people, in person and online, to join us for these days of inspiration and hope, creating a space where imaginations are free to roam. Join us.”
Minister for education and Welsh language Jeremy Miles said: “The free in-person and online events are led by authors and poets, and allow young people to explore and enjoy creative writing and reading. I hope this programme ignites their imagination."
Sessions will also be streamed free online, with closed captioning available in Welsh and English. They will be available free after the event on Hay Festival Anytime at hayfestival.org/anytime (formerly Hay Player).
Parents and teachers can explore the programme and book at hayfestival.org/schools.
