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Workshops

‘Making and doing’ is a vital part of enjoying culture, so we have a varied programme of workshops for children and teenagers. With so much going on, you have free rein to be adventurous and express your creativity by trying something new at Hay Festival. Workshops range from circus skills to animation, music, illustration and creative writing.

WorkshopDrama Workshop with Theatr Cymru

Event W1

Drama Workshop with Theatr Cymru

Miss Prydderch’s Magic Carpet | Carped Hud Miss Prydderch

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Join author and poet Mererid Hopwood and Theatr Cymru on a magical adventure at this interactive bilingual workshop. Inspired by Mererid’s Dosbarth Miss Prydderch book series and upcoming touring theatre production, children will enjoy an opportunity to build confidence and devise a magical story. An informal showing of the children’s work will be held at 11.45am. Led by Mererid Hopwood, Welsh author, poet and Archdruid, and Gwawr Pritchard – Theatr Cymru’s Participation Co-ordinator.

Ymunwch â’r awdur a’r bardd Mererid Hopwood a Theatr Cymru ar antur hudolus yn y gweithdy dwyieithog rhyngweithiol hwn. Wedi’i ysbrydoli gan y gyfres llyfrau Dosbarth Miss Prydderch gan Mererid a’r cynhyrchiad theatr sy’n teithio cyn hir, bydd plant yn mwynhau cyfle i feithrin hyder a dyfeisio stori hudolus. Bydd dangosiad anffurfiol o waith y plant yn digwydd am 11.45am. Arweinir gan Mererid Hopwood, awdur, bardd ac Archdderwydd, a Gwawr Pritchard – Cydlynydd Cyfranogi Theatr Cymru.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopDrama Workshop with Theatr Cymru

Event W2

Drama Workshop with Theatr Cymru

Romeo, Juliet and Me | Romeo, Juliet a Fi

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Are Shakespeare’s words still relevant to young people in Wales today? Join actor Owain Gwynn and Theatr Cymru to explore Shakespeare’s words through movement at this interactive bilingual workshop for young people. An informal showing of the participants’ work will be held at 2.45pm. Led by actor Owain Gwynn and Gwawr Pritchard, Theatr Cymru’s Participation Co-ordinator.

Ydy geiriau Shakespeare yn dal yn berthnasol i bobl ifanc yng Nghymru heddiw? Ymunwch â’r actor Owain Gwynn a Theatr Cymru i archwilio geiriau Shakespeare drwy gwaith symud mewn gweithdy dwyieithog rhyngweithiol i bobl ifanc 12 oed a hŷn. Bydd dangosiad anffurfiol o waith y plant yn digwydd am 2.45pm. Arweinir gan yr actor Owain Gwynn a Gwawr Pritchard, Cydlynydd Cyfranogi Theatr Cymru.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required.
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
ActivityMagical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Event 83

Magical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Hay Festival 2026 x Bird & Blend Tea Co.

–  Garden Kitchen
Read more

Step into the magical world of Bird & Blend Tea Co., discover the secrets of tea mixology and create your own perfect blend in an immersive and interactive Tea Mixology Experience led by an expert mixologist. This hands-on workshop invites you to taste up to six unique blends and test your tea knowledge with an engaging and fun tea matching game.

With expert guidance, you’ll get to craft two custom tea blends to take home and pair with your next fave book! You’ll also learn about different tea types and brewing tips to enhance your tea-making ritual at home. There’ll be an opportunity to ask questions, plus you’ll get a goody bag with free samples. Visit the Bird & Blend Tea Co. stand afterwards for a free gift with purchase (find a special token in your goody bag). Book now – it’s going to be TEArrific!

Price: £25.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopWriting Workshop with Nicola Davies

Event W3

Writing Workshop with Nicola Davies

The Map of Me

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

A map is a tool for finding your way, but it doesn’t have to look like a page in an atlas. A map could show where you fit in your world and what is most important to you. It could show how you will find a route from today to tomorrow.

In this workshop we’ll be exploring all the things a map can be and making personalised maps of space, of time, and thinking about how maps can help imagine a better future.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopWriting Workshop with Nicola Davies

Event W4

Writing Workshop with Nicola Davies

The Map of Me

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

A map is a tool for finding your way, but it doesn’t have to look like a page in an atlas. A map could show where you fit in your world and what is most important to you. It could show how you will find a route from today to tomorrow.

In this workshop we’ll be exploring all the things a map can be and making personalised maps of space, of time, and thinking about how maps can help imagine a better future.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopDance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Event W5

Dance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Comedy Dance Theatre

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Step into the weird and wonderful world of Kitsch & Sync Collective. This high-energy comedy dance theatre workshop whirls through eccentric characters, time-travelling moves and toe-tapping tunes. Expect laughter, silliness and joyful movement for all. Led by Kim Noble, co-founder of the company.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopDance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Event W6

Dance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Comedy Dance Theatre

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Step into the weird and wonderful world of Kitsch & Sync Collective. This high-energy comedy dance theatre workshop whirls through eccentric characters, time-travelling moves and toe-tapping tunes. Expect laughter, silliness and joyful movement for all. Led by Kim Noble, co-founder of the company.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopMagical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Event 162

Magical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Hay Festival 2026 x Bird & Blend Tea Co.

–  Garden Kitchen
Read more

Step into the magical world of Bird & Blend Tea Co., discover the secrets of tea mixology and create your own perfect blend in an immersive and interactive Tea Mixology Experience led by an expert mixologist. This hands-on workshop invites you to taste up to six unique blends and test your tea knowledge with an engaging and fun tea matching game.

With expert guidance, you’ll get to craft two custom tea blends to take home and pair with your next fave book! You’ll also learn about different tea types and brewing tips to enhance your tea-making ritual at home. There’ll be an opportunity to ask questions, plus you’ll get a goody bag with free samples. Visit the Bird & Blend Tea Co. stand afterwards for a free gift with purchase (find a special token in your goody bag). Book now – it’s going to be TEArrific!

Price: £25.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopWriting Workshop with Jenny Valentine

Event W7

Writing Workshop with Jenny Valentine

What’s Next? Who Knows!

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Do you want to try writing your own detective story? Have you got some ideas but no idea where to start? A good mystery is filled with questions… At this writing workshop with author Jenny Valentine, you can start developing your own thriller. An experienced writing tutor and mentor, she can help you form your plot and develop your characters. Embrace the unexpected and learn how a story leaves its own clues along the way. This is a creative session, with a chance to share your secrets at the end.

Jenny Valentine is an award-winning writer whose novels include Finding Violet Park, the Carnegie-shortlisted Fire Colour One, and Us in the Before and After.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopWriting Workshop with Jenny Valentine

Event W8

Writing Workshop with Jenny Valentine

What’s Next? Who Knows!

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Do you want to try writing your own detective story? Have you got some ideas but no idea where to start? A good mystery is filled with questions… At this writing workshop with author Jenny Valentine, you can start developing your own thriller. An experienced writing tutor and mentor, she can help you form your plot and develop your characters. Embrace the unexpected and learn how a story leaves its own clues along the way. This is a creative session, with a chance to share your secrets at the end.

Jenny Valentine is an award-winning writer whose novels include Finding Violet Park, the Carnegie-shortlisted Fire Colour One, and Us in the Before and After.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopMagical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Event 196

Magical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Hay Festival 2026 x Bird & Blend Tea Co.

–  Garden Kitchen
Read more

Step into the magical world of Bird & Blend Tea Co., discover the secrets of tea mixology and create your own perfect blend in an immersive and interactive Tea Mixology Experience led by an expert mixologist. This hands-on workshop invites you to taste up to six unique blends and test your tea knowledge with an engaging and fun tea matching game.

With expert guidance, you’ll get to craft two custom tea blends to take home and pair with your next fave book! You’ll also learn about different tea types and brewing tips to enhance your tea-making ritual at home. There’ll be an opportunity to ask questions, plus you’ll get a goody bag with free samples. Visit the Bird & Blend Tea Co. stand afterwards for a free gift with purchase (find a special token in your goody bag). Book now – it’s going to be TEArrific!

Price: £25.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopComedy Workshop with Melanie Owen

Event W9

Comedy Workshop with Melanie Owen

Find Your Funny Bones

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Join award-winning comedian and writer Melanie Owen for a fun, interactive comedy workshop. Like getting laughs? Got an idea that an audience would love? From the chaotic to the ridiculous, this session will bring those ideas to life! Write stand-up, sketches or sitcom scenes, get loud and find your funny bones.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopComedy Workshop with Melanie Owen

Event W10

Comedy Workshop with Melanie Owen

Find Your Funny Bones

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Join award-winning comedian and writer Melanie Owen for a fun, interactive comedy workshop. Like getting laughs? Got an idea that an audience would love? From the chaotic to the ridiculous, this session will bring those ideas to life! Write stand-up, sketches or sitcom scenes, get loud and find your funny bones.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopAnimation Workshop with Joanna Quinn

Event W11

Animation Workshop with Joanna Quinn

Meet Beryl

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Joanna Quinn is very excited to run this fun animation workshop, where she will introduce her endearing heroine, Beryl, and share the skills and knowledge of behind-the-scenes animation processes from her Oscar-nominated animation career.

Joanna’s creation Beryl is an unconventional heroine, a middle-aged factory worker pursuing her dream as an aspiring artist. Joanna’s film about Beryl and her eccentric family, Affairs of the Art, was nominated for Academy and BAFTA awards. An independent animator and director, Joanna holds over a hundred international awards, including four BAFTAs and two Emmys.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopAnimation Workshop with Joanna Quinn

Event W12

Animation Workshop with Joanna Quinn

Meet Beryl

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Joanna Quinn is very excited to run this fun animation workshop, where she will introduce her endearing heroine, Beryl, and share the skills and knowledge of behind-the-scenes animation processes from her Oscar-nominated animation career.

Joanna’s creation Beryl is an unconventional heroine, a middle-aged factory worker pursuing her dream as an aspiring artist. Joanna’s film about Beryl and her eccentric family, Affairs of the Art, was nominated for Academy and BAFTA awards. An independent animator and director, Joanna holds over a hundred international awards, including four BAFTAs and two Emmys.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopMagical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Event 288

Magical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Hay Festival 2026 x Bird & Blend Tea Co.

–  Garden Kitchen
Read more

Step into the magical world of Bird & Blend Tea Co., discover the secrets of tea mixology and create your own perfect blend in an immersive and interactive Tea Mixology Experience led by an expert mixologist. This hands-on workshop invites you to taste up to six unique blends and test your tea knowledge with an engaging and fun tea matching game.

With expert guidance, you’ll get to craft two custom tea blends to take home and pair with your next fave book! You’ll also learn about different tea types and brewing tips to enhance your tea-making ritual at home. There’ll be an opportunity to ask questions, plus you’ll get a goody bag with free samples. Visit the Bird & Blend Tea Co. stand afterwards for a free gift with purchase (find a special token in your goody bag). Book now – it’s going to be TEArrific!

Price: £25.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopSimurgh: Flights of Imagination Arts Workshop

Event W13

Simurgh: Flights of Imagination Arts Workshop

With the University of Worcester

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

In this inspiring mixed media workshop, you’ll explore the legendary Persian bird, the Simurgh, and the folklore that surrounds it. The Simurgh is a mythical creature and an ancient symbol that appears across time and cultures and in different legends, often with varying roles, qualities and names. It is sometimes depicted with a head of a dog, lion’s claws and a peacock’s body. All materials and equipment provided – just bring your imagination!

University of Worcester staff and students from the Department of Illustration and the International Centre for the Picture Book in Society (ICPBS) return to Hay Festival with their engaging workshops to inspire all young creatives.

7-11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £14.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopSimurgh: Flights of Imagination Arts Workshop

Event W14

Simurgh: Flights of Imagination Arts Workshop

With the University of Worcester

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

In this inspiring mixed media workshop, you’ll explore the legendary Persian bird, the Simurgh, and the folklore that surrounds it. The Simurgh is a mythical creature and an ancient symbol that appears across time and cultures and in different legends, often with varying roles, qualities and names. It is sometimes depicted with a head of a dog, lion’s claws and a peacock’s body. All materials and equipment provided – just bring your imagination!

University of Worcester staff and students from the Department of Illustration and the International Centre for the Picture Book in Society (ICPBS) return to Hay Festival with their engaging workshops to inspire all young creatives.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £14.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopNow You See Me: Printed Portraits Workshop

Event W15

Now You See Me: Printed Portraits Workshop

With the University of Worcester

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

In this inspiring arts workshop, supporting neurodivergent participants, you’ll use DIY print-making processes, recycled materials and mixed media to produce a portrait of yourself, or of somebody or something that you love. All materials and equipment provided – just bring your imagination!

University of Worcester staff and students from the Department of Illustration and the International Centre for the Picture Book in Society (ICPBS) return to Hay Festival with their engaging workshops to inspire all young creatives.

All ages welcome
Ages 11 and under – parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £14.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopMagical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Event 332

Magical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Hay Festival 2026 x Bird & Blend Tea Co.

–  Garden Kitchen
Read more

Step into the magical world of Bird & Blend Tea Co., discover the secrets of tea mixology and create your own perfect blend in an immersive and interactive Tea Mixology Experience led by an expert mixologist. This hands-on workshop invites you to taste up to six unique blends and test your tea knowledge with an engaging and fun tea matching game.

With expert guidance, you’ll get to craft two custom tea blends to take home and pair with your next fave book! You’ll also learn about different tea types and brewing tips to enhance your tea-making ritual at home. There’ll be an opportunity to ask questions, plus you’ll get a goody bag with free samples. Visit the Bird & Blend Tea Co. stand afterwards for a free gift with purchase (find a special token in your goody bag). Book now – it’s going to be TEArrific!

Price: £25.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopWillow Craft Workshop

Event W16

Willow Craft Workshop

With The Cart Shed Charity

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Come and learn how to make willow stars using willow grown in Herefordshire on the farm where The Cart Shed Charity operates. Simple weaving techniques will be taught and all participants will take home a star they have made from this beautiful, sustainable material.

The Cart Shed supports young people aged 10–25 and adults of all ages experiencing poor emotional wellbeing. Creative activities and emotional support given by skilled practitioners and clinicians empower people to overcome challenges and live life well. On Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May they’ll be demonstrating some of the techniques they use, on the Festival site.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopWillow Craft Workshop

Event W17

Willow Craft Workshop

With The Cart Shed Charity

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Come and learn how to make willow stars using willow grown in Herefordshire on the farm where The Cart Shed Charity operates. Simple weaving techniques will be taught and all participants will take home a star they have made from this beautiful, sustainable material.

The Cart Shed supports young people aged 10–25 and adults of all ages experiencing poor emotional wellbeing. Creative activities and emotional support given by skilled practitioners and clinicians empower people to overcome challenges and live life well. On Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May they’ll be demonstrating some of the techniques they use, on the Festival site.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £20.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.
WorkshopMagical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Event 387

Magical World of Tea: Sip, Savour & Blend

Hay Festival 2026 x Bird & Blend Tea Co.

–  Garden Kitchen
Read more

Step into the magical world of Bird & Blend Tea Co., discover the secrets of tea mixology and create your own perfect blend in an immersive and interactive Tea Mixology Experience led by an expert mixologist. This hands-on workshop invites you to taste up to six unique blends and test your tea knowledge with an engaging and fun tea matching game.

With expert guidance, you’ll get to craft two custom tea blends to take home and pair with your next fave book! You’ll also learn about different tea types and brewing tips to enhance your tea-making ritual at home. There’ll be an opportunity to ask questions, plus you’ll get a goody bag with free samples. Visit the Bird & Blend Tea Co. stand afterwards for a free gift with purchase (find a special token in your goody bag). Book now – it’s going to be TEArrific!

Price: £25.00
Booking fees are calculated at 5% per order, with a minimum charge of £3.50 and capped at a maximum of £10.