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 writer Laura Dockrill who leads our free Programme for Schools at Hay Festival Winter Weekend this month.
What does Hay Festival Global mean to you?
Everything begins with a story, yet often when it comes to the arts literature so often quietly takes a back seat. Hay Festival Global is a place where literature is the star of the show! It’s a chance to celebrate the written and spoken word. Writing and reading can be such a solitary act and so it’s brilliant to connect with others that love books. Hay Festival Global is a community in itself, creating a love language of empathy and wisdom that reaches far beyond the tents in a green field. For me, it is the kitchen of books, and we all know, the kitchen is the real place to be at any party.
What’s your favourite Festival memory?
So many, probably the year I celebrated my birthday on stage. It was a pretty special moment when hundreds of kids sang happy birthday to me! That was unforgettable actually!
Have you ever changed your mind on something having been to a Hay Festival event?
Not changed but certainly opened. Last year, I made accidental friends with the editor of the Manic Street Preachers book (we were staying in the same accommodation looking for the key to our cottage under the doormat- all very Hay) and he invited me to their talk that evening. I had planned on just getting an early night and preparing for my event the next morning but I went along. The band played live – they were funny, compassionate, gentle, moving, smart – I was just sitting there thinking ‘gosh I nearly missed this to sit in my room with a packet of crisps and here I am front row of a Manic Street Preachers show.’ I loved hearing the band explain the meanings behind their lyrics and it’s made me listen to their songs completely differently ever since. That’s Hay Festival for you!
Who was the best speaker or performer you saw on a Hay Festival stage?
Wow, that’s tough. Last year I was just chilling in the green room between events browsing through the programme and I saw there was a live cooking class with Georgina Hayden starting that very second. I managed to grab a last minute ticket and ran over (very exciting to dash) and it was so beautiful. We were given a slice of rosemary and lemon cake on arrival (so sweet and light and fragrant) and watched as Georgina cooked this incredible traditional salty sweet cheese and pastry parcel - covering the whole thing with honey at the end! It was such a cosy interview – all about home and family – it made me feel all warm and fuzzy afterwards and was all the better because of the spontaneity. I made the dish as soon as I got home!
What advice do you have for a first-timer at the Festival?
Open eyes! Open heart!
Sum up Hay Festival Global in five words or less…
Inspiring. Powerful. Safe.