Children Secondary

How do we write ourselves into the world at a time of domestic and global political upheaval? Do we own the pen we write with? Set in the context of award-winning poet and author Joelle Taylor’s literary career – from back street bars to Sydney Opera House – these questions will form the spine of a talk focusing on how marginalised writers and performers can create work and, ultimately, a career.

Join Joelle in one of this Hay Festival series of sessions delivered by inspiring producers and practitioners from the creative industries, giving their insights, experience and advice on progression in their field.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.

Join author Hannah Gold on a thrilling Arctic adventure, as she introduces us to the sequel to The Last Bear (winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2022 and Blue Peter Book Award 2022). Pull on your rainbow snow boots and travel across icy glaciers, cross dangerous fjords, take a husky ride, be dazzled by the Northern Lights and best of all, come face to face with the most adorable tiny polar bear cub.

In this immersive event, perfect for animal lovers, you’ll encounter quizzes, jawdropping Arctic facts and breathtaking adventure guaranteed to leave you inspired! The only question is… are you ready to find Bear?

Hannah will also share an exclusive preview of her brand new book, The Lone Husky.

When 14-year-old Ronny’s life is struck by tragedy, his mum decides it’s finally time they move out of London. In his new city, as a Black teenager in a mostly white school, Ronny feels like a complete outsider and struggles to balance keeping his head down with his ambition of becoming a rapper. But when a local poet comes into class, Ronny discovers a world he’s never considered before.

Ashley Hickson-Lovence loves British hip hop, and it shows in his first Young Adult verse-novel. Wild East has been inspired by Ashley’s time as a secondary school English teacher, his own move from London to Norwich, and tutoring a group of asylum seekers.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.