Hay Fever 2015 Programme by Hay Festival

Welcome to Hay Fever What riches are in store for you this year! The programme is packed full of great names from children’s fiction, such as David Almond, Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Cressida Cowell, Derek Landy, Michael Morpurgo, Liz Pichon, Chris Riddell and Jacqueline Wilson.

Comedy is a big theme this year, with Dick and Dom, James Campbell, David O’Doherty and Danny Wallace all guaranteed to make you laugh. And if creating your own cartoons is more your style, the fabulous team behind Phoenix Comics are running a series of awesome workshops.

We have a spectacular line-up of events with illustrators, including Rebecca Cobb, Emily Gravett, Chris Haughton, David Melling, Lydia Monks

and Ed Vere, who will do live drawing and tell stories for their young fans. Some of them will also take part in our Words and Pictures events, exploring how they work for older children and adults – a delight for anyone interested in art and illustration.

Sam McBratney reflects on over 20 years of Guess How Much I Love You (one of the world’s biggest-selling picture books) and picture book legend Nick Butterworth tells us about Q Pootle 5’s journey from page to screen.

Teenagers will find plenty to get their teeth into with our line-up of events starring some of the top names in Young Adult writing today, including Meg Rosoff and Holly Smale.

The wonderful Zak SimmondsHurn, best known for his Sky Drifters and Simon Swift illustrations in The Phoenix weekly story comic, has created our Hay Fever 2015 artwork. Follow our intrepid readers as they jump through worlds of the imagination on these pages.

Our Schools Programme takes place 21–22 May, with inspiring events for local school children. Find out all about it at hayfestival.org/ schoolsprogramme.

Add to all of this a dazzling array of workshops from wonderful organisations like Aardman Animations and the RSPB, Magna Carta quizzes and Alice in Wonderland trails, and you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you are interested in magic, maths or the Magna Carta, you’ll find something to inspire you here at Hay.

Most of all, it’s going to be fun!

Mary Byrne Programme Director Hay Fever

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

Visit the Hay Fever Courtyard

Most of our Hay Fever events take place in the Starlight Stage and Elmley Foundation Cube venues. The Make & Take Tent and the Mess Tent are back, so you can get crafting between 10am and 5pm each day and take part in a wide range of exciting activities including the Lovereading4kids Book Zone. For more info on workshops and extra events, see pages 22-23 or visit hayfestival.org/hayfever. There’s also a lovely central garden area so you and your kids can just hang out and have a Shepherds ice cream or coffee in between events. And you’ll also find baby-changing facilities and a pram park there.

Bookshop

Books and signings by all the children’s and Young Adult authors on the programme are available at the Hay Festival Bookshop on the main site, just a step away from the Hay Fever venues.

Safety Policy

Children aged 12 years and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian, including during events, unless otherwise stated.

The lost child point is located in the Make & Take Tent in the Hay Fever Courtyard between 10am and 5pm every day. Outside these hours it is located in the Admin Office, next to the Box Office.

For information on accessibility visit hayfestival.org/access.

Visitors to Hay Festival may be filmed and/or photographed for future promotions of the festival.

Croeso

Croeso i Hay Fever, rhaglen Gw ˆ yl y Gelli i blant a theuluoedd! Dydd Iau 21 Mai–Dydd Sul 31 Mai 2015.

Archebwch ar-lein ar hayfestival.org/hayfever Ffoniwch y swyddfa docynnau ar 01497 822 629.

Thanks

Illustrations © Zak SimmondsHurn zaksimmondshurn.co.uk. Colour flatting assistance by Lisa Murphy and Andy Silver.

Zak is a Phoenix comic artist: thephoenixcomic.co.uk.

Hay Fever and Schools Programme coordination by Nessie Mason. Hay Fever is supported by:

SATURDAY 23 MAY [HF1] 10AM TATA TENT £8

[HF5] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Join the bestselling author-illustrator of the wildly popular How To Train Your Dragon series. Take behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of the new book Cressida is writing, learn some Dragonese and get the scoop on seeing book characters brought to life for the big screen. 7+ years

David Almond’s latest novel A Song for Ella Grey is a brilliant retelling of the Orpheus myth by way of contemporary Tyneside. Sarah Crossan uses both poetry and prose to tell her stories, most recently in Apple and Rain. They are joined by Jenny Valentine who previews her eagerly-awaited new novel Fire Colour One, a highly original story with an extraordinary twist. These three acclaimed writers talk about how they pack such an emotional punch into their novels. 12+ years/YA

Cressida Cowell How To Train Your Dragon

[HF2] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Joseph Coelho Performance Poetry and Werewolf Club Rules

Performance poet Joseph Coelho (CBeebies Rhyme Rocket) reveals the mysterious rules of the Werewolf Club, how to look like a rainbow, and how to fold up your gran, in a dynamic session sure to delight the whole family. 8+ years [HF3] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Nicola Davies Tiny:The Invisible World of Microbes

Nicola Davies was one of the original presenters of BBC children’s wildlife programme The Really Wild Show and is the author of A First Book of Nature and Everything You Need To Know About Animals. Here she explains the complex science of micro-organisms simply and clearly in a clever and friendly way for the very young. 5+ years [HF4] 11.30AM LLWYFAN CYMRU – WALES STAGE £8

Liz Pichon and Tom Gates Yes! No… (Maybe)

Expert doodler, maker of excuses and hilarious storywriter Tom Gates is back in Yes! No… (Maybe), the eighth amazing instalment in this multiple-award-winning series. Test your knowledge with Liz Pichon as she takes you on a tour of the brilliant and crazy world of Tom Gates – and learn how to doodle just like Tom. In association with Love Reading 7+ years

David Almond, Sarah Crossan, Jenny Valentine

[HF6] 11.30AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

[HF9] 1PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Tim Bowler, Sam Hepburn and Ken Oppel Adventure,Thrills and Terror

Carnegie Medal-winner Tim Bowler’s new novel Game Changer is a tense thriller, as is Sam Hepburn’s If You Were Me. They are joined by the internationally-acclaimed Ken Oppel on a rare visit to the UK to promote his new adventure The Boundless. They share with us the secret of keeping their readers turning the pages. 11+ years [HF10] 2.30PM OXFAM MOOT £5

MG Harris and Jamie Anderson Beyond Gemini Force 1

Atinuke

Atinuke collects stories, writes stories and tells stories, all of which originate in Africa.You will be spellbound by Atinuke’s traditional storytelling as she conjures up the sights, sounds and hustle and bustle of life in Nigeria, where she was born. 4+ years

The authors present an audio-visual tour of the background, design and influences behind GF1. This is your chance to hear all the behind-the-scenes publishing secrets, including the exciting story of how the worldwide community of Thunderbirds fans helped to bring the final Gerry Anderson project to the page. 8+ years

[HF7] 1PM TELEGRAPH STAGE £7

[HF11] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Tony De Saulles Horrible Science

Join Horrible Science illustrator Tony De Saulles in one of his horribly enjoyable events. Get tips on how to make things look like they are smelly, cut in half, exploding or even dead.You’ll return home with a headful of horrible ideas about what to draw next! 8+ years [HF8] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

Sam McBratney in conversation Guess How Much I Love You

Sam McBratney has won many awards for his children’s books and is best known as the author of the multi-million selling family classic Guess How Much I Love You. He talks about his life and career and what it means to have created one of the world’s most famous picture books – which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. 9+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

Maggie Harcourt and The Bookshop Band The Last Summer of Us

Maggie Harcourt’s YA novel is the story of a road trip. Of three friends on a journey that will change their lives forever. It captures the hazy beauty of a Welsh summer, and what it’s like to grow up in a close-knit community. The Bookshop Band perform a song inspired by the book, and the author and musicians discuss the relationship between literature and music, and how they capture moments and memories. 12+ years/YA [HF12] 2.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Ben Cort, Claire Freedman & guests! Monsters Love Underpants

The Aliens stole them, the Dinosaurs fought over them, the Pirates got rich with them…now it’s time for the BIGGEST underpants adventure of them all. Meet the creators of the bestselling series and a very BIG special guest who loves hugs. Can you guess who? Bring your zaniest underpants! 4+ years

[HF13] 2.30PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £4

Vanessa Wolf Sensory Story-time with Guess How Much I Love You

Join our special guest storyteller for this delightful version of Sam McBratney’s family classic Guess How Much I Love You, on its 20th anniversary. Free goody bag for every child. 3+ years [HF14] 4PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Atinuke

Atinuke is a mesmerising storyteller as well as the author of The No.1 Car Spotter and Anna Hibiscus series.You will be spellbound as she conjures up the sights, sounds and hustle and bustle of life in Africa. 7+ years [HF15] 4PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £8

Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown

[HF16] 4PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £4

Vanessa Wolf Sensory Story-time with Guess How Much I Love You A repeat of event HF13. Free goody bag for every child. 3+ years

[HF17] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Stephan Pastis Timmy Failure

Stephan Pastis is a lawyer-turned cartoonist, and creator of the New York Times bestselling series, Timmy Failure. In this lively event Stephan talks about his career, from lawyer to cartoonist. Expect lots of live drawing and cartooning from Stephan, and plenty of laughs. 8+ years

[HF18] 5.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Holly Webb The Water Horse

When the waters start to rise, flooding the streets of Venice and causing chaos, Princess Olivia realizes that only her magic can prevent disaster befalling the city. A magical tour of historic Venice. 7+ years [HF19] 7PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Liz Kessler, Lisa Williamson and Keren David Most Talked About YA Fiction

Meet the authors of three of the most talked-about Young Adult novels of 2015, Read Me Like a Book, The Art of Being Normal and This is Not a Love Story. If you struggle with what you feel is expected of you by family, school and society, these books will be a breath of fresh air. 12+ years/YA

Celebrate the reissue of this classic picture book about adventurous Emily Brown and her toy rabbit companion, Stanley. Learn Cressida’s real life inspiration behind the books, and watch Neal Layton recreate the illustrations. 3+ years

SUNDAY 24 MAY [HF20] 10AM TATA TENT £9

[HF23] 11.30AM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £7

[HF26] 1PM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £9

Join the much-loved, bestselling author as she discusses her career and latest books, Opal Plumstead and The Butterfly Club.You also get a sneak preview of her new book, Katy, which is published in July 2015. There will be no book signing after the talk, but there will be an opportunity for children to ask questions. Pre-signed copies of some titles will be available to buy from the Festival Bookshop. 9+ years

Author and BBC broadcaster Simon Mayo talks about his latest book Itchcraft and how he came to write a series about a chemistry-mad teenager. He shares some of his favourite (which tends to mean explosive) scientific discoveries, made while researching for the series, and there is a chance to ask questions about the books, science, and anything else you can think of, at the end. 9+ years

YA sensation Sarah J Maas, author of the number one international bestseller Throne of Glass, makes a rare visit to the UK to launch her eagerly anticipated new series, A Court of Thorns and Roses. An unmissable event for YA fans of romantic high fantasy adventure. If you like Cassandra Clare, you’ll love this. Sarah talks to Katherine Woodfine. 12+ years/YA

Jacqueline Wilson The Butterfly Club

[HF21] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

The King of the Sky With actors, puppets and music

An Italian boy comes to live in a Welsh mining village, where his parents own a café. He misses his home but the cooing of Mr Evans’ racing pigeons reminds him of a sunlit Roman piazza, and draws him into an unlikely friendship with the old man. Together, they pin their dreams on a race across Europe and the special bird they hope can win it, ‘The King of the Sky’. This is a story about the meaning of home and finding friends where you don’t expect to. An inventive adaptation with actors, puppets and music, created by Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7+ years [HF22] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Claire Freedman and Sue Hendra Dragon Jelly

Hear all about Max and his disgusting party-time antics in Dragon Jelly. Come prepared to get creative and make your own creepy-crawlies. 4+ years

Simon Mayo Itch

[HF24] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Nicola Davies Animal Conservation: Heroes of the Wild

Nicola Davies is an award-winning author, whose many books for children include Ice Bear, Big Blue Whale, Extreme Animals and Gaia Warriors. She was one of the original presenters of the BBC children’s wildlife programme The Really Wild Show and is the author of the classics A First Book of Nature and Everything You Need To Know About Animals. Join her to hear about her latest books in her Heroes of the Wild series, and about her animal conservation work. 7+ years [HF25] 11.30AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Matt Brown Compton Valance:The Most Powerful Boy in the Universe

Travel back in time to the Jurassic period, the Victorian era and more with children’s author and broadcaster Matt Brown. Hear all about the inspiration behind this terrifically funny new series and get some brilliant tips for writing, as well as creating fun character names. 7+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

Sarah J Maas New YA Series Launch: A Court of Thorns and Roses

[HF27] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Jim Smith Barry Loser

Join Jim Smith, author and illustrator of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning Barry Loser series, for an hour of very silly fun. Fast becoming a humour classic, the Barry Loser books are packed full of humour, quirky plots and doodles. 6+ years [HF28] 1PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Holly Webb The Secret Kitten

Join author Holly Webb for an event based on her bestselling animal stories. Find out all about the real kittens, puppies and other animals behind the books, and take part in a craft activity based on the series. 6+ years [HF29] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Nick Butterworth Q Pootle 5

Nick Butterworth is a bestselling and award-winning picture book creator. He is author of Q Pootle 5, now a popular CBeebies animated series. In this family event, Nick talks about how he made the Q Pootle 5 books.You’ll see a glimpse of the CBeebies series, plus live drawing from Nick. 5+ years

[HF30] 2.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet I Need a Wee!

The creators of Barry, the Fish with Fingers and Norman, the Slug with the Silly Shell share their latest book I Need A Wee and assist you in making your very own character from the book using nothing other than…a toilet roll! 3+ years [HF31] 4PM TELEGRAPH STAGE £8

Helen Skelton Amy Wild: Amazon Summer

Join TV presenter Helen Skelton as she introduces her first children’s book, the first in a new action-packed adventure series. Helen reveals how her own incredible real-life experiences and adventures have influenced her writing, from cycling to the South Pole to tightrope walking between the towers of Battersea Power Station. Amazon Summer is based on Helen’s own experiences travelling through the Amazon. 8+ years

[HF33] 4PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Dylan’s Amazing Dinosaurs

It’s time for another Dino-Mission with Dylan and his trusty time-travelling pterodactyl. Come and help gather dinosaur facts as we travel to Roar Island with a herd of inflatable dinosaurs and a lot of imagination. 3+ years [HF34] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Clive Gifford and Anil Seth Eye Benders:The Science of Seeing and Believing

Astound your eyes and boggle your brain, as award-winning author Clive Gifford and neuroscientist Anil Seth take you on a journey through fascinating optical illusions and the science behind them. They talk to Martin Chilton. In association with the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 9+ years

[HF35] 7PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Melinda Salisbury and Catherine Doyle New Voices in YA Fiction

Vendetta by Catherine Doyle is an intense Romeo and Juliet story that combines love, mystery and adventure. The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury is a high fantasy romantic adventure set in a world that is strange and yet completely familiar. Find out about these two young writers’ paths to getting published, their influences and what the future might hold for them and their characters. 12+ years/YA

[HF32] 4PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Aneirin Karadog and Martin Daws

Bilingual Poetry, Rap and Spoken Word Aneirin Karadog and Martin Daws – Bardd Plant Cymru and Young People’s Laureate for Wales – meet in an interactive performance and discussion, taking the audience on a bilingual journey of poetry, rap and spoken word, through anecdotes and banter. Language will be no barrier to enjoyment, and beware, as you may be called upon to become a poet yourself! 9+ years

MONDAY 25 MAY [HF36] 10AM OXFAM MOOT £7

Minecraft

Love Minecraft? Want to know more about how to construct the most awesome builds? Come along to this session for tips and tricks from the experts on how to be a Minecraft creative genius. 7+ years [HF37] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Piers Torday The Wild Beyond

Piers Torday’s bestselling first book, The Last Wild, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Award and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal. His second book, The Dark Wild, won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2014. Join Piers as he shares the passion for nature that inspired the trilogy, and find out if Kester can save the world from disaster. 9+ years [HF38] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Chris Judge Robots and Beasts

Meet award-winning illustrator Chris Judge and hear all about his robot character Tin and his favourite Beast stories in this fun-filled picture book event packed with interactive storytelling and live drawing. 4+ years [HF39] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Dan Smith and Paul Dowswell Big Game and Bomber

Nail-biting tension and compelling storytelling feature in both these books, delivering an edge-of-the-seat reading experience. Dan Smith’s Big Game, recently brought to the big screen, stars a young hero who stumbles upon an escape pod from a burning airplane. Soon he and the President of the United States are on the run from terrorists. Paul Dowswell’s Bomber is the meticulously-researched story of a young gunner in WW2 whose dreams of flying turn into nightmares as the Nazis sweep over Europe and war rages. Share the thrills and the tension, and get some top writing tips. 10+ years

[HF41] 1PM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £8

David Baddiel The Parent Agency

The author, screenwriter and comedian invites you into the hilarious world of The Parent Agency. Barry has always hated being called Barry. In fact, it’s number 2) on the list of things he blames his parents for, along with 1) ‘being boring’ and 3) ‘always being tired’. But then one day Barry makes a fateful wish, and finds himself in a world where everything is Upside Down… 9+ years [HF42] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Katherine Woodfine and Robin Stevens Dastardly Villains (and Iced Buns for Tea)

Robin Stevens’ Wells and Wong schoolgirl detective stories are thrilling books for tween detectives who adore solving dastardly murders. Think St Trinians meets Miss Marple. Katherine Woodfine’s readers of The Clockwork Sparrow Mystery enter a world of bonbons, perfumes and mysteries around every corner. Gasp as our bold heroines vow to bring the villains to justice before devouring another iced bun. 9+ years [HF44] 1.30PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £4

Elli Woollard Poetry Workshop with Woozy and Elli

Rhyming is fun! Join poet extraordinaire Elli Woollard to hear all about the adventures of Woozy the Wizard and his pet pig, and take part in a workshop to create your own poetry. 7+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

[HF45] 2.30PM OXFAM MOOT £5

David O’Doherty and Chris Judge Danger is Everywhere

Do you enjoy enjoyment? Do you find danger dangerous? Come and join award-winning comedian David O’Doherty and illustrator Chris Judge for a hilarious lesson in Dangerology. Inspired by the notebooks of the enigmatic and ultra-cautious Dangerologist, David and Chris prepare you for many of life’s dangers through Docter Noel Zone’s unique BSTs (Basic Safety Tips) and many other useful acronyms. Come and discover what to do if a shark comes out of the loo or a volcano erupts underneath your house. Perfect for worriers, young and old. 7+ years [HF46] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Charlotte and Adam Guillain How to Draw an Ogre

Come and meet Charlotte and Adam as they perform their latest hilarious picture book, Pizza for Pirates, illustrated by the award-winning Lee Wildish. Set off with George on a high seas adventure in search of pirates! There’ll be strange noises, scurrilous sea dogs, marine monsters, a feathered friend, a bit of silly dressing up and funny songs! 5+ years [HF47] 2.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Tamsyn Murray Cassidy Bond: Completely Cassidy’s Big Sleepover

Onesies at the ready! Join Tamsyn Murray for a super sleepover where she’ll introduce you to the disasterprone Cassidy Bond, the star of her new Completely Cassidy series, and help you find your undiscovered talent. There’ll also be plenty of secret sharing and popcorn snacking, so put your best bedhead on and get ready to be amazeballs. 8+ years

[HF162] 2.30PM–3.15PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £5

Catherine Barr, Steve Williams and Amy Husband The Story of Life Workshop

Award-winning illustrator Amy Husband and local authors Catherine Barr and Steve Williams will take children on the extraordinary journey of evolution.You will draw, cut and colour all kinds of creatures to create your own timeline of life on Earth. 6–10 years [HF48] 4PM TELEGRAPH STAGE £6

Malorie Blackman, James Dawson, Patrick Ness and Non Pratt Love Hurts

[HF50] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6 / FREE TO LOCAL CHILDREN*

Catherine Barr and Steve Williams The Story of Life

Authors Catherine and Steve bring evolution alive for a young audience, with an illustrated talk and the children’s help in creating a timeline exploring the fascinating story of life on Earth. 6+ years * Call 01497 822 629

An unmissable line-up of YA talent for your delectation. Four fabulous writers range over many topics that concern their readers, including love. Love Hurts is a new collection of writing, edited by Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, to which James, Patrick and Non have all contributed. Chaired by Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust. In association with Love Reading 12+ years/YA [HF49] 4PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Benji Davies and Elli Woollard The Giant of Jum

Look out children, the Giant of Jum is grumpy and hungry and he’s off in search of a tasty snack! And the tastiest of all is a boy known as Jack… Join major new picture book pairing Elli Woollard and Benji Davies as they bring this brilliant, big-hearted twist on a classic fairy-tale to life in an interactive story-telling adventure. 6+ years

TUESDAY 26 MAY [HF52] 10AM LLWYFAN CYMRU – WALES STAGE £5

[HF56] 11.30AM TATA TENT £8

[HF58] 11.30AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Time for Bed, Fred! is Yasmeen Ismail’s award-wining debut picture book. Join her for storytelling and find out how to draw Rex, a young lion character from her newest book Specs for Rex. 4+ years

Join bestselling author Tom Palmer for a Premier League Reading Stars session. Find out about football reading and writing with quiz questions, a penalty shoot out and a trophy for the winner! In association with National Literacy Trust 7+ years

Nine-year-old Bruno knows nothing of the Final Solution and the Holocaust. He is oblivious to the appalling cruelties being inflicted on the people of Europe by his country. All he knows is that he has been moved from a comfortable home in Berlin to a house in a desolate area where there is nothing to do and no one to play with. Until he meets Shmuel, a boy who lives a strange parallel existence on the other side of the adjoining wire fence and who, like the other people there, wears a uniform of striped pyjamas. Bruno’s friendship with Shmuel will take him from innocence to revelation. And in exploring what he is unwittingly a part of, he will inevitably become subsumed by the terrible process. The author revisits his 2008 novel, which is now read around the world. His latest book Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is the moving story of a boy’s search for his missing father during the First World War. 10+ years

[HF54] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

[HF57] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

The Etherington Brothers The Greatest Comic-Making Show on Earth!

Join Robin and Lorenzo for the most amazing show you’ll ever see.You’ll laugh.You’ll laugh again. Then you’ll laugh some more! And in between the chuckles the Etherington Brothers will take you on a roller coaster journey through the mystical arts of storytelling and character creation, showing you how to explore the power of your imagination. Don’t miss this high-octane show packed full of belly laughs and surprises. 6+ years [HF53] 10AM OXFAM MOOT £5

Tom Palmer Premier League Reading Stars

Thomas & Friends

All aboard! Put your party hats on as we celebrate Thomas the Tank Engine’s birthday. Join brilliant storyteller Liz Fost as she takes you on a fun adventure into the world of Thomas & Friends. 3+ years [HF55] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Chris Haughton Shh! We Have a Plan

Chris Haughton is the creator of highlyacclaimed, award-winning picture books A Bit Lost, Oh No, George! and most recently Shh! We Have a Plan. He is also the co-founder of NODE, a fair trade social business. In this interactive family event, Chris will read from his books, show trailers and images, use some very clever props, and play drawing games. 4+ years

John Boyne talks to Peter Florence The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Angie Sage Araminta Spook

Araminta is a girl who lives in a haunted house, has ghosts and ghouls for friends, and gets up to all sorts of spooky adventures. In this fiendishly fun event, find out where Araminta came from, where this feisty Goth girl is going next, and how you can create your own stories. Black clothes and stripy tights optional! 7+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

Yasmeen Ismail Specs for Rex

[HF59] 1PM TELEGRAPH STAGE £6

Malorie Blackman Children’s Laureate Talk

Join Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman in her final Laureate event as she discusses her award-winning books, including the bestselling Noughts and Crosses series and her most recent collection, Love Hurts. Malorie will talk about her Laureate highlights and about the legacy she hopes to leave behind. A must-see for all fans and a chance to ask Malorie all about her experience as the Children’s Laureate. 10+ years [HF60] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

AF Harrold and Emily Gravett The Imaginary

Join AF Harrold and Emily Gravett as they tell you all about their brilliant, somewhat creepy book: The Imaginary. Pictures will be drawn. Words will be spoken. Imaginary Friends welcome. 9+ years

[HF62] 2.30PM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £6

Frank Cottrell Boyce The Astounding Broccoli Boy

What would you do if your skin suddenly turned a bright, broccoli shade of green? Join multi-award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce as he introduces the colourful cast of characters in his fantastic new book, The Astounding Broccoli Boy. Frank is a successful scriptwriter who, along with Danny Boyle, devised the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Super-powers, suspicious vegetables and penguin sidekicks all play a part in this not-to-be-missed event. 9+ years

[HF63] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

Cerrie Burnell Mermaid

Join CBeebies’ Cerrie Burnell for a very special storytelling session about being different, about new beginnings and, most of all, about friendship. Cerrie will share her books Snowflakes and Mermaid, with music and a little bit of magic. 5+ years [HF65] 4PM OXFAM MOOT £4

Christopher Lloyd Magna Carta and the Story of Freedom

Join Christopher Lloyd on an epic ride through eight centuries in the fight for freedoms and liberties, from the sealing of Magna Carta by King John in 1215, to the present day. Using a giant eightmetre-long timeline, Christopher will stop off at 10 key moments in the last 800 years, showing how today’s ideas of freedom and liberty have emerged through time. 8+ years [HF66] 4PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

[HF68] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

[HF70] 7PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Three of the most talented picture book artists working today will share and swap ideas with each other and the audience to give a fascinating insight into their working methods, and the other creative projects they get involved in when not making picture books. 10+ years

Chris Priestley’s acclaimed Tales of Terror series are chilling stories rooted in the tradition of MR James, Saki and Edgar Allan Poe. Mister Creecher is a novel inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and his latest, Through Dead Eyes, is set in a haunted hotel in Amsterdam. Award-winning Dave Shelton turns to the gothic with Thirteen Chairs, an anthology in which twelve ghostly figures tell stories of death and horror. They talk to writer Paul Magrs about their fascination with the Gothic and its influence on their fiction. 12+ years/YA

Emily Gravett, Chris Haughton and Yasmeen Ismail Words and Pictures

[HF69] 5.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Phil Earle Demolition Dad

Join Phil Earle as he talks superheroes, comics, funny books and wrestling and introduces the hilarious, heart-warming adventures of Jake and his wrestler Dad: the Demolition Man! It’s like Danny, the Champion of the World in spandex, and Phil will introduce Demolition Dad to the Hay audience – and the world – for the first time! 8+ years

Chris Priestley and Dave Shelton talk to Paul Magrs Modern Gothic

Angie Sage and Jonathan Stroud

Septimus Heap author Angie Sage takes TodHunter Moon on a magykal new adventure in Pathfinder. Jonathan Stroud, author of the bestselling Bartimaeus trilogy, opens up the world of suspense and the supernatural with the Paranormal Detection Agency Lockwood & Co. Join them for a conversation about creating fantastical and supernatural worlds, complete with spectral howls and narrow squeaks. 9+ years

WEDNESDAY 27 MAY [HF71] 10AM TELEGRAPH STAGE £5

Kjartan Poskitt Murderous Maths

Back by popular demand, Kjartan Poskitt will have parents and children in fits of laughter as he introduces the people who really did put the Murder into Maths. He’ll also show off some amazing tricks and weird facts but NO NASTY SUMS – guaranteed! Creator of the bestselling Murderous Maths series, Agatha Parrot and Borgon the Axeboy, Kjartan is a brilliant entertainer – and you’ll learn some maths facts along the way. 7+ years [HF72] 10AM OXFAM MOOT £6

Steve Cole How Bond Are You?

Steve Cole introduces his first explosive Young Bond adventure, Shoot to Kill, and gives a unique insight into 1930s gadgets, gangsters and Hollywood. Join Steve for a highly entertaining event. He explains how he became such a fan of Ian Fleming’s super-spy, shares the research behind his creation, introduces new characters, including a sinister villain, and tests the audience’s spy skills to find out: ‘How Bond are you?’ 9+ years [HF73] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Magic Animal Friends

Welcome to an enchanting world full of animals, magic and friendship, from the creator of Rainbow Magic. When best friends Jess and Lily follow a mysterious golden cat into Friendship Forest, their holidays become much more magical! There are riddles to solve, games to play and magic to create. 5+ years [HF75] 11.30AM TELEGRAPH STAGE £7

Chris Bradford Bodyguard

Following his phenomenally successful Young Samurai events, Chris Bradford returns to the stage for his Bodyguard series with an adrenaline-fuelled show. Chris brings the action in his books to life with an interactive performance and explosive content linked to his own research and training. During his bodyguard training, Chris acquired skills in unarmed combat, defensive driving, tactical firearms, threat assessments, surveillance, and even anti-ambush exercises; all of which he relates in one breath-taking, high-energy event. 9+ years 12

[HF76] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Emily Gravett

2015 marks the ten year anniversary of Emily Gravett’s acclaimed and muchloved debut novel, Wolves. Join Emily as she talks about all her beloved characters, from Wolf to Little Mouse to Bear and Hare – and help her create a brand new story live on stage! 5+ years [HF78] 1PM TATA TENT £10

Dick and Dom

Join Dick and Dom, authors of Slightly Naughty But Very Silly Words and their gutsplitting new handbook, Whoopee Book of Practical Jokes, for a big handful of comedy nuts and babbling guff! An interactive and very funny show which includes a practical joke master class, stuffed with gags, brilliant practical jokes and sage and onion. If this event doesn’t tickle your funny bone, you’re probably dead! 7+ years [HF79] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

David Melling Hugless Douglas

The world’s most huggable bear, Hugless Douglas, and his creator David Melling return to Hay to celebrate Hugless Douglas Goes to Little School. Douglas is very excited to be going to Little School. There is so much to do – and lots of hugs to be given out! Come along to learn how to draw Douglas, and even have a hug with Douglas himself! 3+ years [HF81] 2.30PM OXFAM MOOT £6

Lydia Monks Drawing Favourite Characters

Watch as the brilliant illustrator brings the characters in some of your favourite books to life. Help her with some suggestions of your own. There will definitely be live drawing of mermaids, ladybirds, wizards – and of course Mungo Monkey. 5+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

[HF82] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Ali Sparkes Monster Mother/Genius Child

You’re probably clever, but are you a genius? Or a genius’s mum? Find out how Jack – a 12-year-old with an IQ of 170 – ends up on the run with a bank robber in Car-Jacked. Ali explores whether being a child genius is good for you. And – as a mum of brilliantly talented kids – whether Jack’s monster mother is actually inspired…by herself… 10+ years [HF83] 2.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Lucy Letherland Globe-trotting Through an Atlas of Adventures

The Illustrator brings the penguins of Antarctica, the Carnival in Brazil and crocs from the Zambezi River to your fingertips as you help her create your own adventure around the world in this fun-filled workshop. 5+ years [HF84] 4PM OXFAM MOOT £6

Chris Jarvis Dinosaurs and Fossils

Step into the late Cretaceous period with the intrepid dinosaur expert from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Find out lots of fascinating dinosaur facts, examine fossils and learn how palaeontologists interpret their finds. 7+ years [HF85] 4PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Paul Magrs and Moira Young Epic Science Fiction Dystopia

Blood Red Road, the first part of Moira Young’s famous Dustlands trilogy, has been described as ‘The Hunger Games meets The Road’. It is being developed for film by Ridley Scott. Paul Magrs has written several critically acclaimed YA novels including Exchange and Diary of a Dr Who Addict. His new novel Lost on Mars tells the story of Lora and her family, third generation human settlers on the red planet living in increasingly bleak and hostile circumstances. Join them for a discussion about the essential elements of epic sci-fi adventure and what makes a true science fiction geek. 12+ years/YA

[HF86] 4PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Steve Antony Pandas, Doughnuts, and the Queen’s Handbag

Steve Antony is one of the hottest talents around – his first book, The Queen’s Hat, has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize. Learn to draw a panda who loves good manners (and doughnuts!), read stories together, and get a sneak peek of Steve’s next book, The Queen’s Handbag. 3+ years [HF87] 4PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £4

Easy Chinese Workshop

Come along to get a Chinese name, make Hay Festival postcards (in Chinese) and learn how to say 你好! Elinor Greenwood introduces you to China right here in Hay. Learn some simple Chinese words and phrases, find out how to write Chinese characters and decorate postcards with step-by-step Chinese painting, stickers and stencils. Finish with ‘The Great Quiz of China’ to find out what you know. 7+ years

[HF88] 5.30PM OXFAM MOOT £5

Harry Potter: Calling All Fans

[HF90] 5.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Abi Elphinstone Dreamsnatcher

Have you ever wanted to explore the magical world of the Harry Potter books? Join our ‘Professor of Potter’ and his plucky assistant as they bring to life the characters, creatures, spells and adventures from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. A fun and interactive event for all the family, whether you’re new to the books or a dedicated fan. Prizes for best costume. Certificates and postcards for keen muggles! Come and share the magic! 7+ years

Abi talks about the childhood adventures that inspired her book, the magic behind the fast-disappearing Romany gypsy culture, and the wild research trips she went on to build up the Dreamsnatcher world. Passionate about outdoor adventure, Abi also shows children how to carve catapults, build dens, and throw the oracle bones… 9+ years

[HF89] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

[HF91] 5.30PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £4

Steven Camden and Nick Lake Keeping it Real

Camden, aka Polarbear, is one of the UK’s foremost Spoken Word artists. His debut YA novel, Tape, was one of the biggest debuts of 2014. He will talk about It’s About Love, his latest book, with Nick Lake, who is his editor as well as a brilliant and Printz Award-winning YA novelist himself, with highly acclaimed novels such as the bold and brilliant In Darkness to his name. Nick’s latest book, There Will Be Lies, is out now. Find out how they work together and if they ever steal each other’s ideas. 12+ years/YA

Easy Chinese Workshop

A repeat of event HF87. 7+ years

THURSDAY 28 MAY [HF92] 10AM OXFAM MOOT £5

Harry Potter: Calling All Fans

Lyn Gardner Stage School,Theatre and Circuses

Stage school – it’s got it all! Drama (both on and off stage), pushy parents, fiercely competitive pupils and sooooo much more. Come and hear Lyn Gardner talk all about her best-selling Olivia series. Forget your stage-fright; with all the movie stars, circus skills, drama and excitement, you’ll be shouting ‘encore’! 9+ years [HF94] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Steve Antony Betty Goes Bananas

Have you ever thrown a tantrum? Betty has! Join Steve Antony for an interactive storytelling of his funny picture book, about a toddler gorilla named Betty. Steve teaches everyone how to draw Betty and gives sneak peeks into his next book. 4+ years [HF95] 11.30AM OXFAM MOOT £6

Danny Wallace and Jamie Littler Hamish and the Worldstoppers

What would you do if the whole world stopped? Yes, the whole world, except you? Come and meet writer, TV and radio presenter and now children’s author Danny Wallace with his new book. Danny is joined on stage by illustrator Jamie Littler and together they introduce you to Hamish, his trusty gang – the PDF, the baddies or the Terribles and their world – the one that keeps stopping! 7+ years

[HF96] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

[HF100] 1PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Holly Smale, creator of the awardwinning and bestselling Geek Girl books, talks about All That Glitters, the latest in the series starring accident-prone heroine Harriet Manners. She is joined by actress, writer and comedian Arabella Weir whose novel The Endless Trials of Tabitha Baird, second in this popular series, has also recently been published. A lively and irreverent discussion guaranteed. In association with Love Reading 10+ years

Emma won the Booktrust Early Years Award with I Love My Mummy. In this session, celebrating the release of I Love My Granny, Emma reads stories, draws pictures of your pets and family, and helps you to design your own card for someone you love. 3+ years

Holly Smale and Arabella Weir Geek Girl and Tabitha Baird

[HF97] 11.30AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Aby King A Right Royal Adventure

Meet Lupo: favourite palace pet and companion to the baby prince. Join Aby King as she introduces you to the loveable Lupo and his friends; hear all about their adventures in the royal residences; and get top tips for creating your own adventure stories. 8+ years [HF98] 1PM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £5

Heroes: Pilots and Paramedics

Meet real-life heroes from the Wales Air Ambulance team and hear their amazing true life stories in this illustrated talk about some of the life-saving rescue operations they have carried out in extraordinary and difficult situations. All the people featured in this session are heroes in their own way. There’s a chance to ask them questions too. 8+ years [HF99] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Jonathan Meres Laugh Your Socks Off

Eight books into the bestselling, awardwinning, ‘laugh-out-loud’ World of Norm series, life is still totally unfair for poor old Norm! Come and meet Norm’s creator, Jonathan Meres. Hear him say stuff. Ask him anything you like. He might even sing. May contain nuts. 9+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

Emma Dodd I Love You

[HF163] 1PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £5

Abi Elphinstone Inventing Villains

The author of The Dreamsnatcher will help you create the scariest, ghastliest, vilest villain you can think of. Look at classic rogues like Voldemort, Miss Trunchbull and the Child Catcher for inspiration; invent monstrous names stolen from old maps and rummage through all sorts of props to get the sinister appearance of your villains just right. Mwah ha ha… 7–12 years [HF101] 2.30PM TELEGRAPH STAGE £6

Derek Landy Skulduggery Pleasant and Beyond

The brilliant series created by Derek Landy has sales to date of five million copies worldwide and left fans heartbroken as it ended with The Dying of the Light. Derek has recently revealed that his next book, Demon Road, will be out later this year and is the first in a YA trilogy of supernatural thrillers. Come along and find out more. 11+ years [HF102] 2.30PM OXFAM MOOT £5

Rob Eastaway Maths, Magic and Mystery

Rob returns with more engaging ways to make maths fun at home in this lively, interactive session. 7+ years [HF103] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £4

Mairi Kidd Breaking Down The Barriers

Mairi Kidd is MD of Barrington Stoke, which commissions and publishes a wide range of books intended to help kids ‘crack’ reading. What can be done to help young people who may be dyslexic or appear to be ‘reluctant’ to read? How can we help every child develop a love of reading? Mairi discusses with guest panellists. 11+ years

[HF104] 2.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Helen Peters The Farm Beneath the Water

The author of The Secret Hen House Theatre and its sequel shares the story of how Hannah has to save the family farm with her theatrical talents. She explains how she turns the family farm into a ‘character’ in her novels – with lots of authentic mud-squelching, pig-oinking, and chicken-clucking in the background. 7+ years [HF157] 2.30PM-3.15PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £4

Rosie Wellesley Moonlight Bear

Bring your favourite teddy bear along to this fun storytelling session. Hear all about Eva’s favourite bear who turns into a real bear one night and takes her on a night-time adventure around town. Imagine your own teddy bear adventure and create a Hay Hullabaloo drawing to take home. 4+ years [HF105] 4PM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £7

Virginia McKenna and Lauren St John Born Free Foundation

For Virginia McKenna OBE, saving animals is a passion that started when she starred in Born Free and continued with the formation of the Born Free Foundation. For Lauren St John, it began with rescuing orphaned warthogs, monkeys and other wild animals on a farm and game reserve in Zimbabwe. They talk about their love of writing, Africa, and animals, and launch the brand new series of Born Free Foundation stories that share the message: keep wildlife in the wild! 10+ years

[HF106] 4PM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

[HF109] 5.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £7

Dinoville Police Station was having a perfectly quiet morning until the phone rang. ‘Red alert!’ hollered Sergeant Stig O’Saurus. ‘There’s a rampaging T-Rex at the pizza factory!’ So join Sarah as she solves the case and gets the audience drawing, roaring and laughing! 6+ years

Join illustrator Katie Scott as she unravels the wonders of the natural world with the bestselling book Animalium, winner of the Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Year. Marvel at tiny insects and the giant blue whale as Katie brings amazing animals to life in a live drawing session. 6+ years

Sarah McIntyre Dinosaur Police

[HF107] 4PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Tom Moorhouse The River Singers

The research ecologist demonstrates how he translated his ecological expertise into two stories. He describes the lives of water voles and the dangers they face. He shows you why stories involving animals are special, and what you need to think about if you want to write your own. 7+ years [HF108] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Steven Camden and Alex Wheatle Rap, Rhyme and Reality

Camden, aka Polarbear, is one of the top Spoken Word artists on the circuit today. He talks about getting creative with words and shows you how with some Spoken Word performance. Wheatle’s first YA novel, Liccle Bit, about dreaming big when the odds are stacked against you, draws on his experience of council estate life in Brixton. Join them for a session that will inspire you to be creative, be brave and dream big. 12+ years/YA

Katie Scott Animalium

[HF110] 7PM STARLIGHT STAGE £8

Young, Gifted and Published

Lucy Saxon is just 20 years old and the author of Take Back the Skies. She signed her contract with Bloomsbury when she was just 16. She’s a cosplayer, Con-goer and fangirl of all things sci-fi and fantasy. Taran Matharu’s The Summoner became a Wattpad sensation with over three million reads in three months, leading to a publishing deal with Hachette. And Helena Coggan saw her debut novel The Catalyst published at the age of only 15. Find out what makes three extraordinary young writers tick, and be inspired to write a novel before you are 20. 12+ years/YA

FRIDAY 29 MAY [HF111] 10AM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £6

[HF114] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

[HF118] 1PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Becoming the master of menacing is not easy. If you want to learn the rules, join the author of the hilarious Diary of Dennis the Menace series for a sneak peek into the mischievous life of the naughtiest boy in The Beano. Expect lots of fun and games and maybe even a prank or two! 7+ years

The horse-mad author tells you all about the Meadow Vale ponies and how Mulberry is based on a very special pony, which she owns herself. Hear about Che’s real life horse and pony adventures and how they inspired this series in a talk jam-packed with horsey facts and fun. 7+ years

Have you seen him? Come along and join in the fun with this storytelling session featuring games, dancing and singing, plus a chance to meet the world’s most lovable puppy! 3+ years

[HF112] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

[HF115] 11.30AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Dennis the Menace with Steven Butler

Peter Rabbit Puppet Show

Hop along to this charming interactive show where The Tale of Peter Rabbit is brought to life. See Peter escape from Mr McGregor’s garden, help him on his journey, and meet the mischievous rabbit in person! 3+ years [HF113] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Emma Dodd The Entertainer

A hilarious event about an entertainer whose bear impression is just a little too convincing... The award-winning authorillustrator reads her unbearably funny tale then brings the story to life with a live drawing session. 4+ years [HF156] 11.30AM TATA TENT £9

Neil Gaiman

Enter the magical mind of the bestselling author. Find out where his genius ideas spring from and how he writes his books. From fairy tale twists to alien abductions over milk, there is a whole world to explore. 8+ years

Che Golden Meadow Vale Ponies

Ed Vere Max the Brave

Meet Max the Brave, a funny and loveable new character from acclaimed author and illustrator Ed Vere. Join Ed as he tells you about Max’s adventures and teaches you how to draw Max as well as some of his other characters. 4+ years [HF116] 1PM OXFAM MOOT £6

Daniel Morden and Oliver Wilson-Dickson The Fiery Dragon: Storytelling

Daniel, one of the most popular storytellers in the UK, tells traditional stories with passion, wit and gusto. Accompanied by Oliver on fiddle, he will tell a hair-raising Welsh gypsy tale featuring giants, dragons and dwarves. Storytelling for the stout of heart! 7+ years [HF117] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Jennifer Gray Atticus Claw, Chickens and More

Find out about the world’s greatest cat burglar, and be introduced to the hensational Amy Cluckbucket, heroine of Jennifer’s new Chicken Mission series. Answer a quiz, hear all about the characters and help plan the next part of the story. 6+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

Where’s Spot?

[HF158] 1PM-1.45PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £4

Rosie Wellesley Moonlight Bear

A repeat of event HF157 on 28 May at 2.30pm 5+ years [HF119] 2.30PM LLWYFAN CYMRU – WALES STAGE £7

Cathy Cassidy Fortune Cookie

Join the much-loved author introducing The Chocolate Box Girls series finale. Cathy writes about difficult subjects in a touching yet humorous way. Discover which of the Tanberry sisters you are most like, and get her tips on friendship, daydreaming and chocolate. 8+ years [HF120] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

John Dougherty Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Evilness of Pizza

Join John Dougherty and his guitar for a trip around the little island of Great Kerfuffle. Why is the army just one small cat? Why does the king have such a silly name? And what is the evilness of pizza? Whatever happens, laughter is guaranteed, and singing too. 8+ years [HF121] 2.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Rob Biddulph Blown Away

Penguin Blue and his friends go on a gloriously illustrated adventure full of good ideas, kite-flying larks and new experiences in Blown Away, the very first picture book from Rob Biddulph. Join Rob for some blustery fun and arty activities. 4+ years

[HF122] 2.30PM SCRIBBLERS HUT £10

Meek Family Bush Craft Skills

Meet the amazing Meek family and learn some bush craft skills – find out how to make a cord from nettle (it’s how rope used to be made), and how to make a raft. 8+ years [HF123] 4PM–5.15PM TATA TENT £15

Michael Morpurgo The Mozart Question Concert

Author Michael Morpurgo is joined by actress Alison Reid, violinist Daniel Pioro and The Storyteller’s Ensemble (a quartet of strings). Together they interweave words and music to tell his haunting tale of survival against the odds, set against the background of the Holocaust. Adapted and directed by Simon Reade. Duration 1 hour 15 minutes. No interval. 8+ years [HF124] 4PM STARLIGHT STAGE £12

Meg Rosoff Picture Me Gone

One of the finest writers for young adult readers, Meg Rosoff is best known for her novel How I Live Now, which won the Guardian Prize, the Printz Award and the Branford Boase Award, became an international bestseller and was then adapted for cinema. Her work is always layered, subtle and thought-provoking and her latest novel Picture Me Gone is one of her finest. Come and hear her speak about her writing life and what’s coming next. 12+ years/YA

[HF125] 4PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £6

Topsy and Tim Go Camping

Have fun with Topsy and Tim as they leap from book to screen! Join your favourite twins on a camping adventure for storytelling, games and a make-and-do craft session. 4+ years [HF126] 5.30PM LLWYFAN CYMRU – WALES STAGE £8

James Campbell Comedy For Kids

Back by popular demand, it’s James Campbell, with a show for children over six, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. James might or might not discuss scooters, Scottish country dancing and what we’ll do with all these gregarious giraffes. 6+ years

[HF127] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Rob Biddulph, Rebecca Cobb, Sophy Henn and Ed Vere Words and Pictures

Four of the most exciting names in picture books give us an insight into how they make their words and pictures work together to tell a story. Do they use computers to make art? Do the words or the pictures come first? Will they all agree? Highly recommended for anyone interested in art, design and illustration. 10+ years [HF128] 5.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £10

Meek Family Bush Craft Skills A repeat of event HF122.

8+ years

[HF129] 7PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Siobhan Curham True Face

An inspirational, informative and practical talk designed to help girls and women overcome the pressures placed on them by society, to be something that they’re not. Siobhan’s new book True Face helps girls overcome their fears and insecurities and identify their passions and strengths. Come along to hear more and join the discussion. 12+ years/YA

SATURDAY 30 MAY [HF130] 10AM GOOD ENERGY STAGE £6

Chris Riddell

Chris Riddell is the genius behind a vast range of children’s books that children and adults revisit time and time again. There’s Alienography, the Ottoline and Goth Girl series, and for older readers The Graveyard Book, and The Sleeper and the Spindle, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Chris. He also illustrated The Edge Chronicles and Russell Brand’s Pied Piper of Hamelin. He has twice won the coveted Greenaway Medal. See him in action in a live drawing tour around the wonderful world of Chris Riddell. In association with Love Reading 8+ years [HF131] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Alice in Wonderland Storytelling with the Mad Hatter

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is celebrating its 150th anniversary and it’s time for you to join the party! Meet the Mad Hatter, who will take you on a fun adventure through Wonderland to find the White Rabbit, with an imaginative story-trail retelling of the classic novel and creative craft activities. Why not come dressed as your favourite character and make the Cheshire Cat smile? 5+ years [HF132] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Sophy Henn Pom Pom Gets the Grumps

Meet Pom Pom the panda, he’s a bit of a grump! Enjoy a fun, interactive storytelling and arts and crafts session with author and illustrator Sophy Henn as she teaches you how to create your own Pom Pom and some of her other bear characters. 4+ years [HF133] 11.30AM TATA TENT £10

Michael Morpurgo Listen to the Moon

Michael Morpurgo’s much praised novel Listen to the Moon was inspired by a gruesome medal commemorating the sinking of the Lusitania 100 years ago off the coast of Co. Cork, and a newspaper report he came across during his research about a small child being

spotted on top of a piano floating among the wreckage. Michael shares this extraordinary story and answers questions from the audience. He also talks about Dreams of Freedom – In Words and Pictures, for which he wrote the introduction. All royalties go to Amnesty International. There won’t be a signing after this talk but printed bookplates will be available in the bookshop. 9+ years [HF134] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £5

Nicholas Allan My Dad’s the Best

Nicholas Allan, author and illustrator of The Queen’s Knickers and Father Christmas Needs a Wee, reads from his latest book, My Dad’s the Best. This warm and witty story is a celebration of dads everywhere. Nicholas also performs magic tricks… Don’t forget to bring your dad. 4+ years [HF135] 11.30AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Catherine Rayner

Have fun counting with Abigail and search for new smells with Smelly Louie in this friendly interactive event with an award-winning writer and illustrator. There is live drawing between storytelling, and children get the chance to create their own masterpieces with Catherine’s help. 5+ years [HF136] 1PM OXFAM MOOT £7

Finding Wonderland

Cathy Cassidy, who loved Alice in Wonderland above all other books as a child, has re-imagined the story for a modern audience in Looking Glass Girl. Chris Riddell learned about the relationship between words and pictures by copying Sir John Tenniel’s famous illustrations. They are joined by Julia Eccleshare of the British Library to talk about Lewis Carroll, his legacy, and how it feels to walk in his footsteps. 10+ years

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

[HF137] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Emer Stamp Pig

Meet famous diarist Pig – like Samuel Pepys, only smellier – as he invites you to read The Super Amazing Adventures of Me, Pig. Emer will take you around the farmyard, introducing you to his pal Duck and those evil chickens, as well as Kitty who is oh so lovely…or is she? Emer’s event is packed with fun and drawing – not to be missed! 6+ years [HF138] 1PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Pip Jones Daddy’s Sandwich

If you were going to make a sandwich with all your favourite things, what would you include? Join the Squishy McFluff author in a fun-filled event to find out what happens when one little girl makes a sandwich just a bit out of the ordinary for her daddy. 4+ years [HF139] 2.30PM LLWYFAN CYMRU – WALES STAGE £7

Peter Lord Shaun The Sheep:The Movie

The Aardman founder and stop-motion genius takes us behind the scenes of Shaun’s blockbusting big-screen adventure. When Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for. A mix up with the Farmer, a caravan and a very steep hill lead them all to the Big City and it's up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone safely to the green grass of home.You’d be baahmy not to join in! 7+ years [HF140] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Jacqueline Mitton Journey to the Planets

Space holds a fascination for everyone. What exactly is out there? Take a journey around the planets with astronomer Jacqueline Mitton, who delivers a talk illustrated with amazing facts and stunning images that all the family will enjoy. 8+ years

[HF141] 2.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Rebecca Cobb The Something

When a little boy’s ball disappears down a mysterious hole in the garden, he can’t stop thinking about what could be down there – a little mouse’s house? The lair of a hungry troll? Whatever it may be, he’s determined to find out! Join Rebecca for some storytelling and drawing, and maybe find out if there’s a Something down that hole after all… 5+ years [HF142] 4PM OXFAM MOOT £5

Gary Northfield The Big Draw

Gary Northfield, cartoonist for The Phoenix, Beano, Dandy and Horrible Histories, is joined by special guests to stage a Big Draw with plenty of noisy audience interaction. 7+ years [HF143] 4PM STARLIGHT STAGE £7

Gillian Cross, Emma Carroll and Linda Coggin

Poet, writer and performer Coggin’s debut novel The Boy With The Tiger’s Heart explores our relationship with nature and animals in an unusual fantasy adventure. The Girl Who Walked on Air is an historical adventure with a circus theme from Carroll, who wrote the highly-acclaimed Frost Hollow Hall. Multiple award-winner Cross has written yet another thrilling and thoughtprovoking adventure with Shadow Cat. Join them for an entertaining and interesting conversation about writing adventure stories. 10+ years

[HF159] 4PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE

[HF146] 5.30PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Prepare to make some noise and bust some moves as Rastamouse co-creator Michael De Souza presents a reading adventure exploring the riddims and rhymes of Mouseland. Get ready to jam along as CBeebies star Rastamouse makes a special appearance. 5+ years

Kids? Parents driving you mad? Looking for something to keep them entertained? Then bring them along to Story Stew for Two, a parent and child creative writing workshop with Who Let the Gods Out? author Mary Evans. Using wit, charm and an inflatable hammer, Mary will help you to work together to create a tasty tale for two. Guaranteed to cook up creativity in everyone. 7+ years

FREE BUT TICKETED

Rastamouse

[HF144] 4PM MAKE & TAKE TENT

FREE BUT TICKETED

Nick Cope Music for Little People

Monkeys, bears, socks and mud! Nick Cope sings about everything children are really interested in. The former indierocker frontman of The Candyskins, Nick brings his own brand of acoustic folkrock to the world of children’s music, creating interactive concerts for families. Come and join in. 3+ years [HF145] 5.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Kate Saunders Five Children on the Western Front

Join the Costa Award-winning author to hear all about her sequel to E. Nesbit’s classic Five Children and It stories. Witty, tender and full of insights into life, love and politics, this is a brilliant book in its own right as well as a worthy tribute. Kate talks to literary critic Julia Eccleshare. 9+ years

Mary Evans Story Stew for Two

[HF147] 7PM–8.15PM TATA TENT £15

Michael Morpurgo The Mozart Question Concert

SATURDAY 30 MAY continued [HF160] 7PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

Julia Churchill How To Get Your Children’s Book Published

Children’s books agent Julia Churchill from AM Heath Ltd shares everything you need to know about getting your children’s book published, from what an agent does and the qualities that make a submission stand out from the slushpile, to what a publisher looks for and what drives their decisions. It is a 360-degree look at writing, pitching and publishing your children’s book – from picture books right through to young adult fiction. 11+ years

SUNDAY 31 MAY [HF161] 9AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE

[HF149] 10AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Meet Ava and her mischievous invisible cat, Squishy McFluff. During this interactive event children help create the ultimate imaginary pet and hear some of Ava and Squishy’s adventures. 4+ years

[HF148] 10AM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Alex T Smith Claude & Foxy

FREE BUT TICKETED

Rastamouse

Alice in Wonderland Storytelling with the Mad Hatter

01497 822 629 20

hayfestival.org/hayfever

Pip Jones Squishy McFluff

[HF150] 11.30AM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Author of Claude and 2014 World Book Day illustrator Alex T Smith has been called the ‘boy wonder of children’s book illustration’. Join Alex as he draws his favourite characters and introduces a new picture book, Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion, a funny new spin on a wellknown fairytale. Hear how Alex gets inspiration for his hilarious characters (he might even ask for your suggestions) and learn Top Secret illustrator tips, including how to draw Claude himself. 5+ years

[HF151] 11.30AM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £4

FREE BUT TICKETED

[HF152] 11.30AM MAKE & TAKE TENT

[HF154] 1PM ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £5

Pamela will share the brilliantly bonkers world of Izzy in a lively session based on her book The Spy Who Loved School Dinners, winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Award. The latest in the series is My Headteacher is a Vampire Rat. 7+ years

Monkeys, bears, socks and mud! Nick Cope sings about everything children are really interested in. The former indierocker frontman of The Candyskins, Nick brings his own brand of acoustic folk-rock to the world of children’s music, creating interactive concerts for families. Come and join in. 3+ years

Attack of the Giant Sea Spiders is the second in the gloriously daft series The Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates by Blue Peter Award-winner, Gareth P Jones. Dropping anchor in Hay with his trusty ukulele, his musty accordion and his rusty cutlass, Gareth gives us an event like no other. Prepare for clashing cutlasses, rowdy readings, raucous sea shanties, and other such shenanigans. Piratical attire optional. 6+ years

Pamela Butchart Blue Peter Best Story Award Winner

Nick Cope Music for Little People

[HF153] 1PM STARLIGHT STAGE £4

Mary Evans Story Stew

Join children’s author Mary Evans for a fun, anarchic and downright daft introduction to story writing. Using a host of ingredients, a dollop of imagination and a side helping of silliness, you can learn a basic recipe that will enable anyone to write a story. That’s right. Anyone. Especially you. Back by popular demand, Story Stew helps you to write stories that leave a great taste in the imagination. 7+ years

Gareth P Jones Steam Punk Pirates

[HF155] 2.30PM STARLIGHT STAGE £6

Gary Northfield Julius Zebra. Rumble with the Romans!

Meet the cartoonist and graphic novelist who created The Terrible Tales of the Teenytinysaurs! graphic novel and is a cartoonist for phenomenally successful comics and series including The Phoenix, The Beano,The Dandy and Horrible Histories. Gary introduces his hilarious brand new series Julius Zebra. Rumble with the Romans! and dazzles with lots of images, live drawing and plenty of Roman facts. 7+ years

Workshops Full listings, age ranges and booking online at hayfestival.org/hayfever Each young person attending a workshop without an accompanying adult must fill in a Permission Form, available online upon booking or by request from the Box Office.

PHOENIX COMICS WORKSHOPS How to Make Awesome Comics

ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £8 Come and learn HOW TO MAKE AWESOME COMICS with Neill Cameron. Neill is a master storyteller and artist who has illustrated some of The Phoenix’s best-loved comics. In these workshops Neill takes you through the comic creation process from start to finish. WARNING: These workshops contain PIRATES AND DINOSAURS and are rated AWESOME on the comic scale. PLUS join other Phoenix creators (some of the UK’s best comic artists) as they show how to construct a brilliant comic from even the craziest ideas – they’ll take you through some top character creation tips and send you away with your very own brilliant comic! thephoenixcomic.co.uk 7+ years Tuesday 26 May

[HF61] 1PM–2PM [HF64] 2.30PM–3.30PM [HF67] 4PM–5PM

Wednesday 27 May [HF74] 10AM–11AM [HF77] 11.30AM–12.30PM [HF80] 1PM–2PM

RSPB CYMRU WORKSHOPS Wild Garden Safari

SCRIBBLERS HUT £5 Come and discover the secret world that lives in your garden, with RSPB Cymru. Grab a net and see what amazing creatures are hiding in the leaves and lurking underwater. Make a Bee and Bug B&B to take away, to give nature a home in your garden. Families welcome Monday 25 May

[W36] 10AM–11AM [W37] 11.30AM–12.30PM

Tuesday 26 May

[W38] 10AM–11AM [W39] 11.30AM–12.30PM

Wednesday 27 May [W40] 10AM–11AM [W41] 11.30AM–12.30PM

Thursday 28 May

[W42] 10AM–11AM [W43] 11.30AM–12.30PM

Wildlife Photography With Natasha Jenkins of Photo Junior

SCRIBBLERS HUT £5 Young wildlife photographer in the making? Take our photography challenge – discover what lives in the Hay Festival garden and get creative! Learn new skills and discover nature with Photo Junior and RSPB Cymru. 4–12 years Friday 29 May

[W44] 10AM–11AM [W45] 11.30AM–12.30PM

AARDMAN ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Join the Flock: Shaun the Sheep Model Making

ELMLEY FOUNDATION CUBE £12 Celebrate this year’s Shaun the Sheep movie and the new Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm books. Join Aardman’s specialist model maker in these hands-on workshops, where in a series of stages you’ll make your own clay model of Shaun the Sheep to take home. 7+ years Monday 25 May

[HF40] 11.30AM–12.30PM [HF43] 1PM–2PM [HF51] 5.30PM–6.30PM

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Kaloi k’agathoi present: Oedipus – Exposed!

SCRIBBLERS HUT £10 An interactive drama workshop exploring the extraordinary life of Oedipus. Left to die as a baby, he returns unwittingly to kill his father and marry his mother in a story that has thrown a shadow over Western culture for millennia. Equally suitable for those revising their Sophocles over half-term and for those who’ve never heard of him. For more on the company visit kaloi.org, where myths are rescued from dusty books and restored to the public arena, where they belong, and Greek theatre lives again. 10–17 years In association with Hereford Cathedral School Wednesday 27 May

[W46] 1PM–3PM

Thursday 28 May [W47] 4PM–6PM

01497 822 629 hayfestival.org/hayfever

Friday 29 May [W48] 4PM–6PM

LOVEREADING4KIDS CHESS WORKSHOPS ROYAL DRAWING DYSLEXIA SERIES Malcolm Pein and Timothy Kett SCHOOL CLASSES

Storytelling Sessions and Sports Quizzes

SCRIBBLERS HUT FREE BUT TICKETED Lovereading4kids and Barrington Stoke are working together to run a series of events dedicated to children with dyslexia. The authors featured in these events are published by award-winning publisher Barrington Stoke, whose books are renowned for their dyslexia-friendly features and layouts, cream paper and special font. These events will be creative, interactive and, most of all, fun. Throughout the week Lovereading4kids and Barrington Stoke expert staff will be on hand in the Make & Take Tent for advice and support for both adults and children. A selection of dyslexia- and reluctant-readerfriendly titles will be available to buy from the Hay Festival Bookshop. For additional sessions please visit hayfestival.org/hayfever

Sita Brahmachari Storytelling

Sita is bringing her storytelling patchwok quilt to Hay. In the pockets of the quilt are treasures from all her stories. Using the multi-sensory patchwork quilt Sita explores with young readers and aspiring writers the material out of which stories are formed. Sita’s book Brace Mouth, False Teeth is published by Barrington Stoke. 8+ years

Saturday 23 May [W62] 11.30AM [W63] 1PM

Chess in Schools and Communities

SCRIBBLERS HUT FREE BUT TICKETED Join The Telegraph’s Chess Correspondent and International Master Malcolm Pein and 2014–2015 Welsh Chess Champion Timothy Kett as well as trainers from Chess in Schools and Communities, for a chess extravaganza especially for families who are either new to the game or have played before. Sessions will include a brief introduction to the chess pieces, a simultaneous exhibition and players playing against the champions,Yes2Chess internet chess matches, and games on a giant outdoor chess set. 6–106 years

Supported by Stephens and George Centenary Charitable Trust Saturday 30 May

[W52] 10AM–10.45AM [W53] 11.30AM–12.15PM [W54] 1PM–1.45PM [W55] 2.30PM–3.15PM [W56] 4PM–4.45PM

Sunday 31 May

[W57] 10AM–10.45AM [W58] 11.30AM–12.15PM [W59] 1PM–1.45PM [W60] 2.30PM–3.15PM [W61] 4PM–4.45PM

NFU MUTUAL STUDIO PRICES VARY Drawing sessions daily throughout the festival, taught by practising artists. Sessions are open to all levels and all ages (unless otherwise stated) and paper, drawing boards, pencils and rubbers are provided. So whether you’re 8 or 80, pick up a pencil and draw with us! royaldrawingschool.org Full listings at: hayfestival.org/programme

ENGINEERING CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS How to Innovate SCRIBBLERS HUT FREE BUT TICKETED

Design and innovation company Tata Elxsi blend technology, creativity and engineering to transform ideas into solutions. Join their team to learn how to innovate. 12+ years Tuesday 26 May

[W49] 1PM [W50] 2.30PM [W51] 4PM

Read the Game Quiz

Join children’s author Tom Palmer for a quiz about reading sport in newspapers, books and online, followed by a penalty competition, with one team winning the trophy. 8+ years

Sunday 24 May [W64] 11.30AM [W65] 1PM Supported by: