Events for Children and Young People

Welcome back Daniel Morden, a Festival favourite. He’s a captivating teller of traditional stories and author of books including Dark Tales from the Woods and Secret Tales from Wales. In 2017 we awarded him the Hay Festival Medal for his services to storytelling. This year he brings a brace of creepy tales for older children and brave adults. Expect drama, danger, a sprinkling of gore and an oversharing squirrel…

Every child dreams of being the boss, and in Wallace’s latest hilarious adventure that’s just what happens to 10-year-old Joss. When her dad takes her to work and his boss calls a meeting and tells them he’s giving his job away to the person with the best idea for a company game-changer, Joss sticks her hand up. The next thing she knows, she’s the boss, and her dad is horrified. As Joss whips everyone into shape, maybe they can all learn a lesson or two…even Joss herself.

Calling all detectives! Robin Stevens, author of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winning Murder Most Unladylike series is coming to help you investigate The Ministry of Unladylike Activity (clue: it’s the start of a brand new series!) Robin will uncover her top writing tips, shed light on the tricks that can help you create the perfect murder mystery and unveil the inspiration behind her new team of detectives. You’ll also get the chance to put your own sleuthing skills to the test and ask your burning questions, like any good private eye.

Get ready for an energetic freestyle performance from wordsmith, hip hop artist and poet Karl Nova. He’ll bring to life pieces from his latest book, telling stories that are humorous, personal and inspirational.

The Curious Case of Karl Nova is Karl’s follow-up to his debut Rhythm and Poetry, which won the Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award (CLiPPA) in 2018.