Hay Festival 2022

The writer and Chief Executive of the Science Media Centre embarks on a journey documenting some of the most contentious stories in science over the past two decades. From animal research and GM foods to hybrid embryos and a global pandemic, her book demonstrates the vital importance of scientists talking to the media – and warns of the damage to public understanding when scientists are silenced on the defining issues of our times.

Rich Hall’s comedy/music locomotive keeps on rollin’. Ever-evolving, ever-changing, Rich’s combination of keen acerbic stand-up combined with spit and sawdust alt-country lyricism is a ‘win-win’ (Guardian). This show goes where other comedians wouldn’t dare: Barrow-in-Furness, for example. His acclaimed BBC4 documentaries (such as Rich Hall’s Red Menace) and his Radio 4 series Election Breakdown have gained a new legion of followers. He’s a stalwart of QI and Have I Got News For You. Gut-busting, rib-tickling, toe-tapping, Rich Hall’s

Hoedown Deluxe covers the full anatomical spectrum.

Dust off your glad rags, grab a drink from the Festival Bar and join us for an epic closing night party – we’ll be clearing out the seats to make way for seven-piece funk and soul heroes Sould, our resident DJ Max Galactic and plenty of room for dancing. Get ready for sing-along anthems and the uncontrollable urge to move. You will be in the most capable hands. Sould serves up a mix of your favourite soul and R&B tunes, and Hay-based Galactic is getting ready to spend the summer putting smiles on the faces of Festival-goers across the country – from Wilderness to Shambala, Nozstock to El Dorado, and Boomtown to Balter, he’s a man on a disco party mission.