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Hay Festival 2021

Our 2021 Digital Festival took place 26 May - 6th June, the programme is below.

Most of the events are now available in our online archive Hay Player - please see individual listings for more details.

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ConversationBillie Charity and Boo La Croux talk to Ben Andrews

Event 24

Billie Charity and Boo La Croux talk to Ben Andrews

Queen From No Scene

–  Spring Stage
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On an Eardisley farm, in conservative, rural Mid Wales, lives Dean Goodwin-Evans aka Boo La Croux: farmer, organiser of Hereford Pride, professional hairdresser, son of an Aston Villa footballer, husband of Paul, lover of horses, and Miss Drag UK 2021. Billie Charity is an award-winning portrait and reportage photographer who has worked closely with David Hurn, John Bulmer and Niall McDiarmid. She has published two critically-acclaimed photo books, People of Hay and Colour.

Join Boo and Billie as they present their new book capturing the art of drag in a farming community. They talk to Ben Andrews, an organic farmer born, raised and still living in Herefordshire and a founding member of Agrespect, a group set up to help promote LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion in agriculture.
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PerformanceJon Richardson and the Futurenauts

Event 25

Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts

The Future of Friday Night featuring Amy Lamé

–  Global Stage
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In a special Hay Festival live recording of their hit podcast, comedian Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts, Ed Gillespie and Mark Stevenson, explore the ‘Future of Friday Night’, with special guest, BBC Radio 6 Music’s Amy Lamé. As pubs and nightclubs close are we doomed to binge-drinking on the sofa at home in front of Netflix? Is flirting beyond dating apps dead? Will the Great British Friday Night Out go the way of the dodo, or is there a new era of conscious hedonism being born? Will the authentic visceral experience of live performance get us up and out? Can we twerk our tushes into a better tomorrow? Grab a cocktail, mocktail or whatever whets your whistle for the usual riotous adventures in the imagination of the possible.

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ConversationRos Atkins

Event 26

Ros Atkins

The Art of Explanation

–  Discovery Stage
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How many times have you wished you were able to explain something clearly and confidently? In this event, the BBC presenter and journalist Ros Atkins, creator of the Ros Atkins on… explainer series, shares the secrets he’s learned from years of working in high-pressure newsrooms, identifying the ten elements of a good explanation and the seven steps you need to take to express yourself as persuasively and accurately as possible.

Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, taking an exam or interviewing for a job, in The Art of Explanation Atkins provides the ultimate guide to communicating as effectively as possible. Atkins is BBC News’ analysis editor and the creator and presenter of Outside Source on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. In conversation with journalist and author, Oliver Bullough.

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PerformanceGelf Alderson

Event 27

Gelf Alderson

Cooking with the River Cottage Chef

–  Spring Stage
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Make your summer more salad-full in this demo and tasting event with the River Cottage chef. Alderson demonstrates how, with a bit of creativity and flair, simple ingredients can be combined to make truly great salads. Watch him as he cooks knockout recipes in front of you using everyday foods, drawing on his book River Cottage Great Salads – and you get to taste the results. He redefines the idea of salad, as playful flavour pairings, clever techniques and vibrant dressings bring out the very best in seasonal produce. Executive Head Chef of River Cottage for over ten years, Alderson has worked with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to create the menus served in all six River Cottage restaurants.

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ConversationJodi Picoult talks to Julia Wheeler

Event 28

Jodi Picoult talks to Julia Wheeler

By Any Other Name: Proof Party

–  Meadow Stage
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Get an exclusive preview of Jodi Picoult’s new novel By Any Other Name, to be published in October. Moving between Elizabethan England and modern-day Manhattan, it explores the theme of identity and the ways in which two women, centuries apart – one of whom might be the real author of Shakespeare’s plays – are both forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard. Jodi Picoult describes her 29th novel as the “book of my heart”, the one she was destined to write. She describes the sleuthing she carried out to establish her character Emilia’s links to Shakespeare, and her personal experiences as playwright and author.

Your ticket includes a free proof copy of By Any Other Name.
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PerformanceWill Barnes Jazz Quartet

Event 29

Will Barnes Jazz Quartet

Source of the Severn

–  St Mary’s Church
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The Will Barnes Quartet bring us an auditory treat to Hay Festival. Source of the Severn is their debut album – an evocative, fluid collection mixing hints of Wales with immaculately performed jazz. Will Barnes (guitar) is joined by James Batten (drums), Jack Gonsalez (piano) and Clovis Phillips (bass) – a tight collective of highly experienced jazz instrumentalists. Their original music is a modern take on the classic bebop era with influences of Wes Montgomery, Bill Evans, Pat Metheny and Oscar Peterson, further taking inspiration from the exquisite landscape of Mid Wales and the Marches. The beautiful album artwork by skilled landscape artist Erin Hughes is also very covetable!

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PerformanceMarcel Lucont’s Cabaret Fantastique

Event 30

Marcel Lucont’s Cabaret Fantastique

–  Wye Stage
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Marcel Lucont (Comedy Central at the Comedy Store, Sky Atlantic’s Set List, BBC1’s John Bishop Show) presents a feast of international cabaret. For one night only, he presents: Rob Deering, the UK’s foremost guitar-wielding, loop-layering stand-up comedian; Sara Twister, internationally renowned circus artiste from Berlin; and Jon Udry, winner of British Young Juggler of the Year! Cabaret Fantastique has no fixed abode – a cult hit at festivals worldwide, each programme of entertainment is handpicked by Marcel. You’ll be served up a luscious plate of the finest performers from the world of cabaret, comedy, circus, poetry, magic and music, all held together with dry wit and a dry white.

The show has been a sell-out success at Soho’s Crazy Coqs for the past seven years, featuring a different line-up each night, and has been staged at London Wonderground and Glastonbury Festival among others. “Debaucherous, delightful and debonair, Marcel Lucont knows how to put on one hell of a show” PerthNow, Fringe World Festival.
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PerformanceRobin Ince

Event 31

Robin Ince

The Book Club

–  Meadow Stage
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Join comedian Robin Ince for his unique Book Club, in which he chats with guests about the weirdest books and strangest stories they have read, and their secret reading obsessions. He brings along many of his favourite pulpy horrors, awkward romances and most eccentric self help guides. Expect an exhilarating tour around these books, where readings from Crabs on the Rampage will be twinned with Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin. Robin was named Author of the Year by the Booksellers Association and his most recent book, Bibliomaniac: An Obsessive’s Tour of the Bookshops of Britain was described by the TLS as “a tonic”. Don’t miss this event exclusively designed for Hay Festival 2024.

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ActivityMorning Yoga with Hay Yoga Collective

Event 32

Morning Yoga with Hay Yoga Collective

–  Creative Hub
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Start your day with an hour of yoga blending movement, mantra, meditation and breathwork. The classes support detoxification and regeneration – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our daily yoga classes are brought to you by a collective of ten highly skilled practitioners, all local to Hay-on-Wye. Each practitioner has their own style, but with all you can expect a mindful, student-focused practice with clear cueing and functional sequencing.

Whether you need grounding and recharging before a busy day at the Festival, an opportunity to stretch and move your body, or simply an hour to focus on your breathing, these classes are open and accessible to all. Practitioners will adapt to different levels of experience, providing options for deepening or softening within poses so that each student takes what they need from the practice. Beginners and experienced students are most welcome. Yoga mats are provided.

Please contact Clare Fry at hello@larchwoodstudio.com with any questions relating to these classes. As capacity is limited, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, and alert your practitioner at the start of class if you have any injuries.
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ConversationBBC Radio 4: Saturday Live

Event 423

BBC Radio 4: Saturday Live

–  Exchange Marquee
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A great reason to come early, grab a coffee and get the chance to hear some incredible guests with memorable stories. Saturday Live at Hay will be presented by Huw Stephens and Kiri Pritchard McLean. They’ll be joined by Today programme presenter Mishal Hussain, designer Anita Mangan, actor, and comedian Stephen Mangan (brother of Anita) , and writer of the Emperor and Conqueror series Conn Iggulden.

This is a LIVE programme to R4. Please arrive promptly.
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ActivityHay Castle Entry Ticket

Event HC2

Hay Castle Entry Ticket

–  Hay Castle
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A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes of this unique and historic building. Visit at a time of your choice during Castle opening hours.

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ActivityBreakfast Tour with Tom True

Event HC3

Breakfast Tour with Tom True

–  Hay Castle
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Hay Castle’s executive director Tom True introduces the key moments and characters from the castle’s past followed by a continental breakfast.

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ActivityDiscover Snodhill Castle

Event 33

Discover Snodhill Castle

–  Meeting Place on Festival Site
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Featured in the BBC’s Digging for Britain, Snodhill Castle is the hidden gem of the Golden Valley. Explore the Norman ruins including the high keep, Royal Free Chapel and the newly-discovered ‘panic room’, and hear the story of its discovery and preservation. Guided by Garry Crook, castle expert and Chair of the Snodhill Castle Preservation Trust.

Please note: the site is uneven and slippery with steep drops. There is no wheelchair access and no facilities. Children should be supervised at all times. We regret we cannot accommodate dogs on these walks.
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ActivityWild Swimming in the River Wye

Event 34

Wild Swimming in the River Wye

–  Meet at By the Wye
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Come for a wild swim in the Wye with adventure and wild swimming specialist Angela Jones. The author of Wild Swimming the River Wye is passionate about protecting and respecting the river, its environment and wildlife. She shows how to engage in wild swimming with love and respect, testing the water for cleanliness and observing when it’s safe, before leading a guided wild swim session. Beginners and seasoned swimmers alike will gain a wealth of knowledge, including tips on acclimation, water safety, equipment, technique, reading the river and undercurrents.

You will meet Angela on the banks of the river at By the Wye Glamping Site, HR3 5RS, located just past the main bridge into Hay on the B4351
(What3Words : lifestyle.waving.cavalier).

The session starts at 10am and ends at 12pm at the river.

There is no parking at the swim site, please park in one of the designated carparks around town.

Please bring swimming gear and towel. Water shoes and wetsuits optional. There are no changing facilities by the river, so we recommend donning swimming costumes in advance, worn under loose clothing. Please do not don wetsuits in advance. Bring a thermos or drink and warm clothes for after the swim. Wetsuits can be provided on loan for £5 with prior notice – contact angela@swimwildwye.co.uk.
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ConversationAreeba Hamid, Patrick Vallance and guests

Event 35

Areeba Hamid, Patrick Vallance and guests

The News Review

–  Discovery Stage
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Start your day at Hay Festival with our daily news review. Join our leading journalists and special guests as they take us behind the headlines with insider perspectives, insights and an eye on what’s next. Strong coffee recommended!

Among today’s guests are Areeba Hamid, Co-executive Director of Greenpeace UK and former leader of the global finance programme at The Sunrise Project, and Patrick Vallance, former UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) from 2018-2023, Chief Scientific Advisor for COP26 and Chair of the Natural History Museum. Chaired by The Independent editor Geordie Greig.

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ConversationGiuliano da Empoli in conversation with Misha Glenny

Event 36

Giuliano da Empoli in conversation with Misha Glenny

The Wizard of the Kremlin

–  Wye Stage
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Working at the heart of Russian power, the enigmatic Vadim Baranov – nicknamed the Wizard of the Kremlin – is Putin’s chief spin doctor. Using his background in experimental theatre and reality TV to turn the entire country into an avant-garde political stage, he’s discovered the lines between truth and lies, news and propaganda have become indistinguishable, and he wants out. Political scientist and prize-winning writer Giuliano da Empoli tells journalist Misha Glenny about his all-too-plausible novel The Wizard of the Kremlin, taking readers into the heart of the Kremlin, and how fiction can give us insights into real-world events and figures.

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ConversationFranny Armstrong, Garry Charnock, Ed Hawkins and Kate Humble in conversation

Event 37

Franny Armstrong, Garry Charnock, Ed Hawkins and Kate Humble in conversation

You are not Alone

–  Meadow Stage
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Broadcaster and author Kate Humble talks to three remarkable individuals who created leading climate projects, igniting hope and progress, all inspired by events at Hay Festival in previous years.

Film producer Franny Armstrong honed the groundbreaking 1010 Campaign with Ed Miliband on the train back from Hay Festival in 2009; Garry Charnock was inspired by an event at Hay Festival 2005 featuring Sir David King to create the first carbon neutral village, in Ashton Hayes; and Professor Ed Hawkins created the Climate Stripes, illustrating temperature change, as part of the Hay Festival Trans.MISSION project in 2018.

Come along and be inspired to create your own projects and help transform our society to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

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ActivityWayfaring Walk: Enjoying the National Park

Event 38

Wayfaring Walk: Enjoying the National Park

Joanna Perrin and Catrin Ward

–  Meeting Place on Festival Site
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Guides from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park lead a walk through the beautiful surrounds of Hay-on-Wye. You’ll be joined by local experts who will give their insights into this treasured landscape.

Hay-on-Wye is based within 520 square miles of beautiful landscape that makes up the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The National Park is driving change to bring about a sustainable future, meeting our needs within planetary boundaries. Their Hay Festival series of walks take you into the town’s local environment while offering the opportunity to learn more about the Park’s work and its treasured landscape.

Please wear appropriate footwear and outdoor gear. We regret we cannot accommodate dogs on this walk.
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ConversationHamza Yassin

Event F3

Hamza Yassin

Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest

–  Global Stage
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Did you know that something as simple as planting a sunflower can provide food for insects and birds? CBeebies’ Hamza Yassin explains how everyday nature heroes play a crucial part in our ecosystem, and how you have a role to play too! From the smallest seed to the tallest tree, everything in nature has a purpose. Come on your own Eco Quest and find out how to make your nature walks an interactive journey of discovery. Can you find some lichen on a wall or tree, earthworms in the ground or a dandelion growing through a crack in the pavement?

3+ years
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ConversationWaldo Pancake

Event F4

Waldo Pancake

How to be a Genius Kid

–  Spring Stage
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Get super brainy with zero effort thanks to Waldo Pancake, aka Jim Smith, the author and illustrator behind the Barry Loser books. Why is misspelling stuff a sign of grate intelly-genz? What have the hours in the day got to do with finger bones? Why does rain on a pavement smell so delish? Zany and laugh-out-loud bonkers, Jim introduces his new graphic novel and teaches you how to be a Genius Kid!

Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to draw along in this event.

7+ years
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WorkshopReady, Steady, Music! Workshop

Event W3

Ready, Steady, Music! Workshop

–  Creative Hub
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Get your Hay day off to a brilliant start with our daily Ready, Steady, Music workshops! With different activities each day, these interactive, fun-filled sessions for mini musicians will have you tapping sticks, roaring like dinosaurs, flying with unicorns, dancing with scarves, playing with parachutes and much more. Come and meet our puppets, explore our instruments and be accompanied by the beautiful sound of the cello.

0-4 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
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WorkshopPizza-making Workshop

Event W4

Pizza-making Workshop

Kitchen Garden Pizza

–  Family Garden
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Come to the Family Garden for a pizza masterclass with Kitchen Garden Pizza. In this one-hour session your imagination and creativity will be fed along with your belly! You’ll get your hands messy with freshly grown and foraged ingredients, make and top your own dough and observe the pizzaioli at work at the wood-fired oven. And while you wait for your pizza to cook, you can decorate your own pizza box!
Dairy-free and gluten-free options available

4+ years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
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ActivityMake & Take Crafting

Event MT1

Make & Take Crafting

Saturday Morning Session

–  Make & Take Hub
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An opportunity to get crafting! Activities differ every day, including everything from print-making to junk modelling with recycled materials. Get messy and creative: your imagination is the limit.

Book for the session and you can drop in at any point during the 1.5 hour duration. Accompanying adults: please stay in attendance at all times, but you do not require a ticket.

3–11 years
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WorkshopPizza-making Workshop

Event W5

Pizza-making Workshop

Kitchen Garden Pizza

–  Family Garden
Read more

Come to the Family Garden for a pizza masterclass with Kitchen Garden Pizza. In this one-hour session your imagination and creativity will be fed along with your belly! You’ll get your hands messy with freshly grown and foraged ingredients, make and top your own dough and observe the pizzaioli at work at the wood-fired oven. And while you wait for your pizza to cook, you can decorate your own pizza box.
Dairy-free and gluten-free options available

!

4+ years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
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ConversationAnne Enright talks to Julia Wheeler

Event 39

Anne Enright talks to Julia Wheeler

The Wren, The Wren

–  Wye Stage
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Plunge into a meditation on love and generational trauma with the author of the Man Booker Prize-winning The Gathering, in conversation with journalist, Julia Wheeler. Nell is a young woman with adventure on her mind, but as she sets out into the world, she finds her family history hard to escape. For her mother, Carmel, Nell’s leaving home opens a space in her heart, where the turmoil of a lifetime begins to churn. And across the generations falls the long shadow of Carmel’s famous father, an Irish poet of beautiful words and brutal actions. Dublin-based author Anne Enright was the first Laureate for Irish Fiction, and in 2018 received the Irish PEN Award for Outstanding Contribution to Irish Literature.

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ConversationYasmin Ali and Gwynne Dyer talk to David van Reybrouck

Event 40

Yasmin Ali and Gwynne Dyer talk to David van Reybrouck

Planet Energy

–  Meadow Stage
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A chemical engineer working on energy, Yasmin Ali takes us across the globe to discover solar panel farms shimmering in the desert and power stations hidden deep in the mountains. In Power Up she explains where we get our energy from, how it is moved and used around the world – and why we need to understand the whole system if we want to transition towards a clean, green future. For his new book, Intervention Earth, journalist and writer Gwynne Dyer interviewed over 50 of the world’s leading climate scientists. From fission power to fake meat, from the deep seas to the jet stream, he reveals the most creative scientific thinking on how we might still solve the most frightening problem of our age.

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ConversationMichael Mansfield talks to Farhana Yamin

Event 41

Michael Mansfield talks to Farhana Yamin

The Power in the People

–  Discovery Stage
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People power is unstoppable, says barrister Michael Mansfield KC, and he would know; he has spent his career fighting injustice, persecution and corruption, representing people including the Birmingham Six, Stephen Lawrence’s family, and the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster and of the Grenfell fire. Mansfield talks to lawyer Farhana Yamin about his 50 years of fighting for justice, some of his most important cases and why he believes that when people get together they can make lasting and positive change.

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ActivityAshleigh Nugent

Event 42

Ashleigh Nugent

Verse and Venture: Exploring Nature Through Poetry

–  Meeting Place on Festival Site
Read more

Immerse yourself in the inspiring Welsh countryside with poet, playwright and rapper Ashleigh Nugent, Creative Director of RiseUp, a Manchester-based organisation that empowers individuals to better their circumstances, prospects and wellbeing. In a unique event curated by the Black British Book Festival, you’re invited to write lines that capture the essence of the natural world, inspired by your surroundings, allowing nature to infuse depth into your writing. Let Nugent’s live poetry performance transport you to new realms of imagination under the open sky of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Please wear appropriate footwear and outdoor gear. We regret we cannot accommodate dogs on these walks.
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ActivityJuliet Russell

Event 43

Juliet Russell

Song in an Hour

–  St Mary’s Church
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This is your chance to sing with vocal coach and choir director Juliet Russell, as she teaches the 1980s classic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ in honour of Wales’ own Bonnie Tyler. You’ll learn warm-ups, harmonies, breathing and performance techniques in this uplifting, inclusive and energising session. Russell has worked with Grammy, BRiT and MOBO artists. Her TV credits include The Voice and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.

All experience levels welcome.
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ConversationBBC Radio 4: On Your Farm

Event 457

BBC Radio 4: On Your Farm

–  Exchange Marquee
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Charlotte Smith, BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today presenter and the UK most respected agricultural journalist, is in conversation with farmer, broadcaster and author: Adam Henson about farming, writing books and how he accidentally became a TV presenter.

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ConversationJeff Kinney

Event F5

Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The No Brainer Show

–  Global Stage
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Come on down and unlock your brain power! The No Brainer Show is an outrageously entertaining event hosted in person by bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney. You’ll be invited to join Jeff on stage and to face off in brain-challenging game show-style activities to support your local library. Expect an epically fun event that celebrates the latest Wimpy Kid book and explores the outer limits of the brain.

Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to draw along in this event.

9+ years
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ConversationPhilip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre

Event F6

Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre

Adventuremice: Mice on the Moon

–  Spring Stage
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In Mice on the Moon, the heroic Adventuremice have been summoned by an inventor-mouse. Millie’s Uncle Bernie has built a spaceship and he wants them to fly it. BOOM! Pedro and his friends blast into outer space, where they become the first mice on the moon. Or so they think…

Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to draw along in this event.

5+ years
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