Our monthly 'Meet the Haymaker' series shares stories of the change-makers at the heart of Hay Festival and the impact it has had on their lives. This month, get to know Carys Bradley-Roberts, Hay Festival Writers at Work administrator.
What does Hay Festival Global mean to you?
Hay Festival was my gateway to reading. Being able to hear from some of the world’s greatest storytellers then rushing to the bookshop to meet them made the worlds they created real and exciting. I saw Daniel Handler (who convinced us his narrative character Lemony Snicket had been eaten by a crocodile) when I was 10 and I think I’ll remember that talk forever. There’s a good chance I would not have ended up studying English Literature without Hay Festival.
What’s your favourite Festival memory?
When I had the opportunity to first work at the festival in 2018, I was absolutely delighted. My favourite memory is from one of my first years working there, sitting at the back of the Writers at Work Tent, surrounded by Wales’ future writing talent, with Malorie Blackman sat at the front answering their questions. It was a sunny, busy festival day, and we could hear the crowds walking and chatting outside, but it was a quiet, excited bubble in our tent. Thanks to Tiffany Murray’s excellent programming, we get special moments like that every year.
Have you ever changed your mind on something having been to a Hay Festival event?
It’s more about being open-minded, going along to things that might not sound like something I’d usually be interested in or something I know very little about, and leaving with an impression, a thought or a desire to learn more. I’ve often picked up books that I never would’ve looked at had I not been to a talk that sparked my curiosity.
Who was the best speaker or performer you saw on a Hay Festival stage?
It’s so difficult to choose, I’ve been fortunate to see so many fantastic writers and performers over the years. Last year, I loved hearing Jesse Armstrong talk, being a huge admirer of his shows Succession and The Thick of It, and playwright Suzie Miller, who spoke so brilliantly about Prima Facie. Gruff Rhys’ 2014 performance of his American Interior show at Hay Festival is also a particular highlight. Alongside this, it’s such a privilege to hear the public readings of our Writers at Work cohort every year; they’re so ridiculously talented and I feel very lucky to get to play a small part in their time at the festival. The future of writing in Wales is in very safe hands.
What advice do you have for a first-timer at the Festival?
It sounds so fastidious, but it really helps to have a schedule or a spreadsheet with everything you want to see and make sure you give yourself time between events to chill, read and explore the bookshops and the town. A fun spreadsheet, if you like, an oxymoron if ever I saw one.
Sum up Hay Festival Global in five words or less…
Bring extra suitcase for books.