Workshops

As part of our 2021 Festival programme, we invite you to get creative with some dynamic and interactive workshops. Imagine what it's like to be a hedgehog with The School of Life; work with students from Hereford College of Arts to create a book or an animation using recycled materials or enjoy a poetry show. You can learn to code with the University of Oxford or explore biodiversity with Head 4 Arts and WWF Cymru. These events are for children aged 4–11 and are free to watch again and again..

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Event W1

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Collaging Workshop with Beth Suzanna

Paper People

Venue: Hwyl Stage
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Develop your illustration skills at this fun collage workshop delivered by Hay Festival 2023 Illustrator in Residence Beth Suzanna. In this empowering workshop you’ll use the medium of collage to reflect who you are and what’s important to you. You’ll create self portraits depicting the things that inspire you. You’ll learn about the art of visual storytelling from one of the UK’s rising stars of illustration, and work together to create a large-scale group collage. Whether you want to feel inspired in a relaxed space or to get stuck in and learn a new skill, this workshop is an informal session for everyone.

Beth recently collaborated with hip hop star, actor and writer Jordan Stephens on a children’s book, The Missing Piece – you can see them in conversation about their collaboration in an event on Sunday 28 May, 10am.

12+ years
Collaging materials will be provided, but feel free to bring along your own. No parent/carer attendance nor sign in/out is required.
This event has taken place

Event W2

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
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Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

4–8 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

Event MT1

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Make & Take Crafting

Saturday Morning Session

Venue: Make & Take Tent
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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 2.5 hour duration. Accompanying adults: please stay in attendance at all times, but you do not require a ticket.

3–11 years
This event has taken place

Event W3

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Theraplay Workshop

Vivien Norris & The Family Place

Venue: Hwyl Stage
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Join our family group and experience what Theraplay is like! The session will be playful, physical and fun. Everyone joins in, so come prepared for activity. Theraplay is a way of playing with your child which builds and enhances attachment, self-esteem, trust in each other and joyful engagement. It’s based on the natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and child. You can use the ideas in everyday parenting and in any setting where relationship connection is important, for example in schools, older adult care settings, or for family reconnection following life events.

Family, 5+ years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

Event W4

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
Read more

Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

9–11 years
Parents/carers may attend (no ticket required), or sign children in/out.
This event has taken place

Event W5

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Theraplay Workshop

Vivien Norris & The Family Place

Venue: Hwyl Stage
Read more

Join our family group and experience what Theraplay is like! The session will be playful, physical and fun. Everyone joins in, so come prepared for activity. Theraplay is a way of playing with your child which builds and enhances attachment, self-esteem, trust in each other and joyful engagement. It’s based on the natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and child. You can use the ideas in everyday parenting and in any setting where relationship connection is important, for example in schools, older adult care settings, or for family reconnection following life events.

Family, 5+ years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

Event MT2

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Make & Take Crafting

Saturday Afternoon Session

Venue: Make & Take Tent
Read more

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 2.5 hour duration. Accompanying adults: please stay in attendance at all times, but you do not require a ticket.

3–11 years
This event has taken place

Event W6

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
Read more

Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

4–8 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

Event W7

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
Read more

Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

9–11 years
Parents/carers may attend (no ticket required), or sign children in/out.
This event has taken place

Event W8

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Loopy Animation with MASH Cinema

Venue: Hwyl Stage
Read more

The story of animation stretches back to the early 1800s with the invention of spinning optical illusion devices such as the zoetrope. These days animation is everywhere from animated films, cartoons and GIFs to computer games and VR. But how did we get here? Learn about the origins of early animation and create your own loopy animation in this fun, hands-on workshop led by visual artists MASH Cinema.

7–8 years
This workshop contains some flashing images. Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

Event W9

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
Read more

Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

9–11 years
Parents/carers may attend (no ticket required), or sign children in/out.
This event has taken place

Event MT3

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Make & Take Crafting

Sunday Morning Session

Venue: Make & Take Tent
Read more

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 2.5 hour duration. Accompanying adults: please stay in attendance at all times, but you do not require a ticket.

3–11 years
This event has taken place

Event W10

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
Read more

Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

4–8 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

Event W11

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Loopy Animation with MASH Cinema

Venue: Hwyl Stage
Read more

The story of animation stretches back to the early 1800s with the invention of spinning optical illusion devices such as the zoetrope. These days animation is everywhere from animated films, cartoons and GIFs to computer games and VR. But how did we get here? Learn about the origins of early animation and create your own loopy animation in this fun, hands-on workshop led by visual artists MASH Cinema.

9-11 years
This workshop contains some flashing images. Parents/carers may attend (no ticket required), or sign children in/out.
This event has taken place

Event MT4

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Make & Take Crafting

Sunday Afternoon Session

Venue: Make & Take Tent
Read more

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 2.5 hour duration. Accompanying adults: please stay in attendance at all times, but you do not require a ticket.

3–11 years
This event has taken place

Event W12

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Loopy Animation with MASH Cinema

Venue: Hwyl Stage
Read more

The story of animation stretches back to the early 1800s with the invention of spinning optical illusion devices such as the zoetrope. These days animation is everywhere from animated films, cartoons and GIFs to computer games and VR. But how did we get here? Learn about the origins of early animation and create your own loopy animation in this fun, hands-on workshop led by visual artists MASH Cinema.

12+ years
This workshop contains some flashing images. No parent/carer attendance nor sign in/out is required.
This event has taken place

Event W13

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
Read more

Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

4–8 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

Event W14

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Rooted Forest School

Natural Craft Workshop

Venue: Wild Garden
Read more

Come and join Rooted Forest School for outdoor family sessions inspired by the Forest School approach. We’ll use foraged materials to craft natural items that you can take away with you, taking part in some simple tool use and finishing off with a hot apple juice around the fire. These sessions are aimed at families and will run whatever the weather, so make sure you’re wrapped up for the conditions.

9–11 years
Parents/carers may attend (no ticket required), or sign children in/out.
This event has taken place

Event 108

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

An Evening of Collage with Beth Suzanna

Self-Portrait

Venue: Hwyl Stage
Read more

Develop your illustration skills at this masterclass in collaging for grown-ups, delivered by Hay Festival 2023 Illustrator in Residence Beth Suzanna. You’ll work with Beth through a series of quick exercises and collage techniques to explore your body language and minuscule quirks and create a piece of art that captures your essence in a self-portrait.

Beth has collaborated with hip hop star, actor and writer Jordan Stephens on a children’s book The Missing Piece, published in 2022 – you can see them talking about their collaboration in an event on Sunday 28 May, 10am.

Collaging materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own along.

This event has taken place

Event W15

Events taking place live 25 May–4 June 2023

Loopy Animation with MASH Cinema

Venue: Hwyl Stage
Read more

The story of animation stretches back to the early 1800s with the invention of spinning optical illusion devices such as the zoetrope. These days animation is everywhere from animated films, cartoons and GIFs to computer games and VR. But how did we get here? Learn about the origins of early animation and create your own loopy animation in this fun, hands-on workshop led by visual artists MASH Cinema.

7–8 years
This workshop contains some flashing images. Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
This event has taken place

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