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General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

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TalkMikey Please

Event F1

Mikey Please

The Cave Downwind of the Café

–  Spring Stage
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Are you ready to follow Mikey Please back into the woods, to discover more hungry goblins and bath-tubs of bogey broth? The BAFTA-award-winning and Oscar-nominated animation director and writer will conjure up brilliantly disgusting scenes from his new picture book The Cave Downwind of the Café, where owner Rene is in peril and unusual waiter Glumfoot must once again save the day…

Mikey was named overall winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2025 for his funny and immersive picture book The Café at the Edge of the Woods.

Family, 3+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopDrama Workshop with Theatr Cymru

Event W1

Drama Workshop with Theatr Cymru

Miss Prydderch’s Magic Carpet | Carped Hud Miss Prydderch

–  Family Garden Marquee
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Join author and poet Mererid Hopwood and Theatr Cymru on a magical adventure at this interactive bilingual workshop. Inspired by Mererid’s Dosbarth Miss Prydderch book series and upcoming touring theatre production, children will enjoy an opportunity to build confidence and devise a magical story. An informal showing of the children’s work will be held at 11.45am. Led by Mererid Hopwood, Welsh author, poet and Archdruid, and Gwawr Pritchard – Theatr Cymru’s Participation Co-ordinator.

Ymunwch â’r awdur a’r bardd Mererid Hopwood a Theatr Cymru ar antur hudolus yn y gweithdy dwyieithog rhyngweithiol hwn. Wedi’i ysbrydoli gan y gyfres llyfrau Dosbarth Miss Prydderch gan Mererid a’r cynhyrchiad theatr sy’n teithio cyn hir, bydd plant yn mwynhau cyfle i feithrin hyder a dyfeisio stori hudolus. Bydd dangosiad anffurfiol o waith y plant yn digwydd am 11.45am. Arweinir gan Mererid Hopwood, awdur, bardd ac Archdderwydd, a Gwawr Pritchard – Cydlynydd Cyfranogi Theatr Cymru.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
Price: £20.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkSheila Kanani

Event F2

Sheila Kanani

This Event Will Make You a Scientist

–  Spring Stage
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Calling all aspiring scientists! Don’t miss out on the world-changing scientific theories and concepts in this encounter with some of the most inspiring figures from science. Space scientist and teacher Dr Sheila Kanani MBE, author of This Book Will Make You a Scientist, presents science heroes from aerospace engineer Ritu Karidhal to physicist Isaac Newton.

Whether you want to measure the speed of light like Albert Einstein or communicate with chimpanzees like Jane Goodall, this event will draw out your inner scientist as you explore their big, bold ideas and how they invented, created or discovered remarkable things.

5+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkDanny Robins

Event F3

Danny Robins

Do You Believe in Ghosts?

–  Meadow Stage
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Step into the world of the paranormal with Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast and TV series Uncanny. Find out whether you’re Team Believer or Team Sceptic as Danny shares stories of life as a paranormal detective and introduces some fascinating theories behind what ghosts really are.

There’ll be scientific explanations, thrilling historic happenings and truly jaw-dropping discoveries on this adventure into some of the greatest ghost stories ever! With a ‘live investigation’ reading of a real-life ghost story, a chance to ask Danny your questions, and live drawing along with illustrator Ellen Walker, it’s a ghoul’s paradise.

9+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationHugh Bonneville in conversation with Iszi Lawrence

Event F4

Hugh Bonneville in conversation with Iszi Lawrence

Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room: A Children’s Book from the Paddington Star

–  Meadow Stage
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Hugh Bonneville, known for his acclaimed acting in roles from Downton Abbey to Paddington, discusses his hilarious first children’s book with comedian Iszi Lawrence. His hero Rory Sparkes is at primary school in South East London – just as Hugh himself was.

Rory is a boy with a head full of dreams. He might become a strongman and travel the world with the circus. Or he might try to make it as a cowboy – that would be a fan-tas-tic second best. But as Rory plots to make his dreams come true, everything spirals out of control. Will his plans ever work out?

8+ years
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

PerformanceHugh Bonneville, Karen Jankel and Michael Morpurgo hosted by Jessica Swale

Event F7

Hugh Bonneville, Karen Jankel and Michael Morpurgo hosted by Jessica Swale

Celebrate 100 Years of Michael Bond, Creator of Paddington, the World’s Favourite Bear

–  Global Stage
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Come and celebrate 100 years since the birth of legendary author Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, in this exceptional family event.

We’ll welcome special guests, including reminiscences of growing up with Paddington from Michael Bond’s daughter Karen Jankel; readings and anecdotes from children’s author Michael Morpurgo; and on-set stories from Hugh Bonneville (Mr Brown in the Paddington films), who will share the importance of Paddington’s message of tolerance and inclusivity. Jessica Swale, writer of the recent runaway success Paddington: The Musical, will host this unique celebration.

There’ll be songs, special appearances and marmalade. Come ready for a party – Wellington boots, red hats and duffle coats are optional!

Family, 6+ years
Price: £12.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopWriting Workshop with Nicola Davies

Event W3

Writing Workshop with Nicola Davies

The Map of Me

–  Family Garden Marquee
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A map is a tool for finding your way, but it doesn’t have to look like a page in an atlas. A map could show where you fit in your world and what is most important to you. It could show how you will find a route from today to tomorrow.

In this workshop we’ll be exploring all the things a map can be and making personalised maps of space, of time, and thinking about how maps can help imagine a better future.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationAlex Falase-Koya & Paula Bowles

Event F9

Alex Falase-Koya & Paula Bowles

Marv and FunFair Fright

–  Spring Stage
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Author and illustrator duo Alex and Paula deliver a fun-filled session for all budding superheroes. They’ll get you involved with their interactive quiz and a Pixel draw-along, as well as a chance to design your own super-suit – exploring what makes you unique and what your special superpowers are!

Rising star Alex’s Marv series was chosen for the Summer Reading challenge, and was a 2024 World Book Day book. Alex has also partnered with Marcus Rashford on the hit Breakfast Club Adventures. Illustrator Paula Bowles is known for her vibrant, expressive artwork, which captures both the everyday charm and the thrilling action of Marv’s adventures.

5+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationStephen & Anita Mangan

Event F10

Stephen & Anita Mangan

Welcome to Weird Street

–  Meadow Stage
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Meet the unexpected inhabitants of the houses on Weird Street in this high-energy, brilliantly silly event with much-loved actor Stephen Mangan and talented artist Anita Mangan. Weird Street appears to be a very ordinary place, filled with very ordinary houses and very ordinary people… but wait until you knock on each door!

The best-selling silblings, creators of The Fart That Changed the World and The Day I Fell Down the Toilet bring their incredibly funny and wildly imaginative storytelling to this unmissable event about their new collection of bite-size tales.

9+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pen to this event.
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationSusie Dent talks to MG Leonard

Event F12

Susie Dent talks to MG Leonard

The Roots We Share

–  Spring Stage
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This word-perfect event will enchant anyone and everyone who loves words. Broadcaster and word expert Susie Dent is on a mission to spread uplifting and unifying words to bring people together. She has searched far and wide to unearth words and phrases – old, new and long-forgotten – that celebrate harmony, unity and the universal languages that connect people across the world. So come on a coddiwomple (a journey with no destination) to learn more about the language that unites us rather than divides us. Susie recently celebrated 25 years as the resident word expert on C4’s Countdown. She talks to MG Leonard, author of the Time Keys series.

Family, 8+ years
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkRob Biddulph

Event F14

Rob Biddulph

The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf

–  Meadow Stage
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Superstar author and illustrator Rob Biddulph introduces The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf – the first in a thrilling new fiction duology. Fast-paced and fully illustrated throughout by Rob, this gripping series will dazzle all fans of Peanut Jones.

Rob will share his inspirations for this spine-tingling new story, brimming with mystery, full moons and werewolves. He’ll also talk about his other books and his own creative origin story. And have your pencils ready for a live version of Rob’s famous ‘Draw with Rob’ episodes. This will be a fun-filled howlfest that the whole pack can sink their claws into.

8+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkPetr Horáček

Event F15

Petr Horáček

Blue Monster

–  Spring Stage
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Are you sitting comfortably? Petr Horáček, a storyteller loved by both children and adults, brings a laugh-out-loud story with a big surprise. Blue Monster wants to play with Rabbit – but Rabbit is sleeping and doesn’t want to play. So... what should Blue Monster do? Blue Monster does something you should never do and then... he does it again and again! Now he definitely has no one to play with! He feels sad, lonely and very guilty. But when Blue Monster opens his mouth and yawns... What a surprise! Things may get better after all! This comforting tale of friendship and forgiveness will get all the family giggling.

4+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopDance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Event W5

Dance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Comedy Dance Theatre

–  Family Garden Marquee
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Step into the weird and wonderful world of Kitsch & Sync Collective. This high-energy comedy dance theatre workshop whirls through eccentric characters, time-travelling moves and toe-tapping tunes. Expect laughter, silliness and joyful movement for all. Led by Kim Noble, co-founder of the company.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkMG Leonard

Event F17

MG Leonard

The Impossible Gladiator

–  Spring Stage
Read more

MG Leonard returns to Hay Festival to tell us all about the latest adventure in her thrilling Time Keys series. Fans of Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson’s adventures in Hunt for the Golden Scarab and The Legend of Viking Thunder will love their new foray in The Impossible Gladiator.

The brave trio are enjoying a holiday in Rome when they’re swept up in the mysterious disappearance of world-famous illusionist Kinetic. Their search leads them through secret time doors to the spectacular Colosseum in Ancient Rome – can they survive long enough to find Kinetic?

MG Leonard will give special insight into the inspiration behind the book, and answer some of your burning questions. If you’re a fan of MG Leonard’s Adventures on Trains series and haven’t yet discovered the Time Keys, now’s the chance!

8+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ActivityHay Festival BIG Bug Mural

Event F18

Hay Festival BIG Bug Mural

With Illustrator in Residence Charlotte Hepburn

–  Family Garden
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Come along to the Family Garden to meet Hay Festival 2026 Illustrator in Residence Charlotte Hepburn and join in this fun family activity. Charlotte’s illustration style is full of bright colours, bold shapes and lots of fun. She’ll guide families in the collective creation of a really big bug mural, featuring all your favourite creepy-crawlies! All materials are provided, just bring your imagination.

4+ years
Free drop in
TalkLuke Pearson

Event F19

Luke Pearson

Hilda and Twig: Hide from the Rain

–  Meadow Stage
Read more

Meet Hilda and Twig! Hilda is everyone’s favourite blue-haired heroine, and her best friend, deer-fox Twig, is the perfect companion as they explore the wilderness together. Come and develop your design skills with their Emmy and BAFTA award-winning creator Luke Pearson, who’ll show how to draw your favourite characters.

This is a brilliant and fun introduction to comics, and after sketching up a storm, you’ll get the chance to ask Luke your burning Hilda questions. Netflix have made a critically-acclaimed animated series based on the books, Hilda, and the mischievous duo continue their adventures in Hilda and Twig: Wake the Ice Man.

5+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopDance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Event W6

Dance Workshop with Kitsch & Sync Collective

Comedy Dance Theatre

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Step into the weird and wonderful world of Kitsch & Sync Collective. This high-energy comedy dance theatre workshop whirls through eccentric characters, time-travelling moves and toe-tapping tunes. Expect laughter, silliness and joyful movement for all. Led by Kim Noble, co-founder of the company.

12+ years
No parent/carer attendance is required
Price: £20.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationMichael Morpurgo in conversation with Clare Balding

Event F21

Michael Morpurgo in conversation with Clare Balding

Black Beauty

–  Meadow Stage
Read more

Author Sir Michael Morpurgo and broadcaster Clare Balding discuss the children’s classic Black Beauty, Anna Sewell’s story about the kind-spirited horse and the compassion and cruelty he witnesses, and its parallels with Michael’s best-selling novel War Horse.

Michael has recently retold this unforgettable story set in Victorian Britain for today’s readers. He has often said it was Black Beauty that showed him how he might tell the story of War Horse, through the eyes of a horse that witnesses the horror of war from both sides. War Horse, which was published over 40 years ago, has been adapted into a hugely successful stage play by the National Theatre.

8+ years
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationRussell Tovey & Robert Diament talk to Rob Biddulph

Event F22

Russell Tovey & Robert Diament talk to Rob Biddulph

Art School (in a Book): A Future Artist’s Guide to Contemporary Art

–  Spring Stage
Read more

Do you love art and want to know more but don’t know where to start? Using their Art School (in a Book) as a starting point, actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament​ introduce us to the world of contemporary art, from Frida Kahlo to David Hockney.

Whether you have a passion for pictures, or are just keen to dip your brush into the world of art history, this interactive event will leave you feeling enriched and inspired by some of our greatest and most exciting contemporary artists.

With Russell and Robert as your guides, you’ll also discover the artist within you, as they share tips on new ways of seeing and reacting to the world around you and guidance on how you can develop your own creativity. They talk to illustrator Rob Biddulph.

9+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationHannah Critchlow

Event F23

Hannah Critchlow

Brainwave: Find Your Focus and Unleash Your Brain’s Superpowers

–  Meadow Stage
Read more

It’s hard to be resilient in our ever-changing world. From dealing with the aftermath of lockdowns to navigating the online environment, life seems more complicated than ever. But Dr Hannah Critchlow is here to show us how we can stay on top of these changes, develop stronger resilience and switch our mindset from can don’t to can do.

Drawing on her new book Brainwave, the internationally acclaimed neuroscientist gives positive and practical guidance on improving our concentration and developing our decision-making. With a sound understanding of children’s behaviours and emotions, she’ll lead us from easily distracted to fully focused.

9+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationAnders Sparring & Per Gustavsson

Event F24

Anders Sparring & Per Gustavsson

The Pinchers

–  Spring Stage
Read more

In this laugh-out-loud session with energetic live illustration, author Anders Sparring and illustrator Per Gustavsson join us – all the way from Sweden – to show you how to craft a hilariously gripping heist story.

Their popular book series The Pinchers features a proud family of villains, going back three generations. Son Theo loves his family, but he just doesn’t fit in; he can’t lie or cheat to save his life! Anders and Per bring to life their tale about one very law-abiding child born to a family of robbers, combining adventure, silliness and the familiar day-to-day of family life with hilarious results.

6+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopWriting Workshop with Jenny Valentine

Event W7

Writing Workshop with Jenny Valentine

What’s Next? Who Knows!

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Do you want to try writing your own detective story? Have you got some ideas but no idea where to start? A good mystery is filled with questions… At this writing workshop with author Jenny Valentine, you can start developing your own thriller. An experienced writing tutor and mentor, she can help you form your plot and develop your characters. Embrace the unexpected and learn how a story leaves its own clues along the way. This is a creative session, with a chance to share your secrets at the end.

Jenny Valentine is an award-winning writer whose novels include Finding Violet Park, the Carnegie-shortlisted Fire Colour One, and Us in the Before and After.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationDive into the Guinness Book of Records

Event F25

Dive into the Guinness Book of Records

With World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday and Record-Breaking Guests

–  Discovery Stage
Read more

What would your World Record be, and how would you go about setting it? Find out all about the challenge of record-breaking, and discover what incredible looks like in 2026, in this fascinating deep dive into the Guinness Book of Records.

Join Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday as he brings the book to life, with the help of special guests – some actual record holders! Expect an action-packed, involving hour full of jaw-dropping records, remarkable feats and fun facts for the whole family, as you learn how record breaking has changed over the years. There’ll also be an exciting opportunity to take part, and set a Guinness World Records title! Please bring a book, which we’ll use to set a new record and then donate to Oxfam afterwards.

Family, 7+ years
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

PerformanceMr Men Little Miss Mysteries

Event F26

Mr Men Little Miss Mysteries

Storytelling for Mini-Sleuths

–  Spring Stage
Read more

Can you solve the mystery? Join our storyteller in a gentle Mr Men Little Miss quest. An interactive event complete with live music, sensory participation, action and movement – and classic characters from the much-loved Mr Men and Little Miss universe. All mini-sleuths are cordially invited to get involved in this mystery – there’ll be solving, singing and storytelling. Can you solve the puzzle?

3+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

PerformanceWonderland: When Tick Forgot to Tock

Event F27

Wonderland: When Tick Forgot to Tock

Presented by Hereford College of Arts

–  Bookshop Garden Marquee
Read more

Wonderland has come to a standstill! When Tick the clock is knocked over, time freezes, leaving everything paused. Now, the two culprits must set off on a magical quest to find the key that will wind Tick up again. Along the way, familiar faces and new friends join the adventure, bringing fun rhymes, lively music and enchanting physical theatre.

Performed by degree students from the School of Performance at Hereford College of Arts, this playful, family-friendly show invites everyone to sing, laugh and move along. Can you help restore the rhythm of Wonderland so Tick can tock again?

Family, 4+ years
Free – drop in
TalkPunam Krishan

Event F28

Punam Krishan

The Doctor’s Orders: Fun, Facts and First Aid

–  Meadow Stage
Read more

Join the BBC’s Dr Punam Krishan for an action-packed family session all about ailments, treatments and medical methods. Using inspiring examples from her books You and Your Body and The Superhero’s First Aid Manual, Dr Punam will explore what it’s like to be a real-life doctor. She’ll share life-saving tips, stay-calm tricks, and you’ll be able to test your skills in a medical quiz!

Family, 5+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkDavid Solomons

Event F31

David Solomons

Spyglass: Mastermind of Mayhem

–  Spring Stage
Read more

The name’s Mayhem… The author of My Brother is a Superhero unsheaths his new hilarious, action-packed adventure in this fast-paced event. Fans of spy thrills and spills will love Spyglass, and David will introduce us to Adam and his friends, who, when they accidentally reveal the secret location of an ex-spy, trigger a supervillain to turn up on their doorstep.

Contending with a dastardly plot, an evil doctor and a full complement of henchmen, it’s going to take Adam buckets of bravery, a truckload of gadgets and a lot of luck to defeat the bad guys and stop them from taking over the world.

David’s debut bestseller My Brother is a Superhero won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year.

9+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkSophy Henn

Event F34

Sophy Henn

I Want Everything!

–  Spring Stage
Read more

Join award-winning picture book author/illustrator Sophy Henn for a double storytime following the exploits of a ghostly pair of friends. Sophy will read I Hate Everything!, her irresistible tale about finding the positives when your day seems completely rubbish, as well as the new sequel I Want Everything! This celebration of the things in life that really matter is guaranteed to turn your frown upside down. Then Sophy will help you to draw some ghosts, and make your very own pet one to take home!

Sophy is creator of the much-loved Bad Nana fiction series, the Pom Pom series and the Ted board book series. She was World Book Day Illustrator in 2015 and 2016.

3+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopComedy Workshop with Melanie Owen

Event W9

Comedy Workshop with Melanie Owen

Find Your Funny Bones

–  Family Garden Marquee
Read more

Join award-winning comedian and writer Melanie Owen for a fun, interactive comedy workshop. Like getting laughs? Got an idea that an audience would love? From the chaotic to the ridiculous, this session will bring those ideas to life! Write stand-up, sketches or sitcom scenes, get loud and find your funny bones.

Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkLouie Stowell

Event F35

Louie Stowell

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Causing Chaos

–  Spring Stage
Read more

Watch out for chaos as Louie Stowell reveals the hilarious new doodle-packed instalment in her best-selling series about a diminutive Norse god. Loki, the mighty trickster god, has been banished by Odin for bad behaviour to live on Earth as an eleven-year-old boy. Things he cannot do on Earth: reveal his awesome godly powers. Things he must do on Earth if he wants to get back home: go to school, do good deeds, write a diary. He’ll also have to sort out the chaos that erupts after the goddess Freyja arrives in town – or face terrible consequences… Louie will share the inspiration behind Loki’s escapades and demonstrate some doodles!

7+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkAlasdair Beckett-King

Event F36

Alasdair Beckett-King

Montgomery Bonbon: Scandal on the Stage

–  Spring Stage
Read more

Calling all keen detectives in the making! We have a murder mystery to solve – and we’re going to have a lot of fun while we do it. Alasdair Beckett-King, creator of the world’s finest detective Montgomery Bonbon, is asking for your help to crack the case in his new book. In Scandal on the Stage, a playwright collapses on stage, whispering “Murder!” – but the cast all have rock-solid alibis…

Alasdair – a stand-up comedian seen on Mock the Week and Comedy Central Live, as well as the author of the Bonbon series – will show you how to walk, talk and detect like a sleuth. One with a great sense of humour.

9+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

PerformanceBeano Boomics with Craig Graham and Mike Stirling

Event F37

Beano Boomics with Craig Graham and Mike Stirling

Join the Mischief Squad

–  Meadow Stage
Read more

Dennis the Menace has a special birthday wish – he wants to break the rules of reading! Beano’s Directors of Mischief and Mayhem, Craig Graham and Mike Stirling, help him in this jokey session, revealing their top-secret tips for creating the laugh-out-loud stories and comic strips in Beano, where Dennis has starred since 1951. They’ll also reveal insider info on how they’ve reinvented reading with their smash-hit latest Beano Boomic The Day We Got Lost in Time.

Join their Mischief Squad, as you help co-create the funniest Dennis the Menace comic strip of all time. This is the cheekiest, funniest, most creative show ever!

6+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkLaura Ellen Anderson

Event F40

Laura Ellen Anderson

Star Kitties!

–  Spring Stage
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Spend a morning visiting Whiskery Paw, where kittens abound in the brand new series from award-winning creator Laura Ellen Anderson. Meet the extraordinary cast of new characters in Star Kitties, including Tabitha Flair and her feline friends. Laura will show you how she creates magical new worlds, and invite you to help her design an exciting new Star Kitty. Then get your pencils at the ready and learn how to draw one of Tabitha’s adorable friends for yourself!

6+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkKaty Hessel

Event F41

Katy Hessel

The Story of Art Without Men: Amazing Women Artists

–  Exchange Marquee
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Join expert art historian and best-selling author Katy Hessel for an interactive journey through history and landscape, to celebrate her new Guide to Amazing Women Artists. Hessel has adapted her global sensation The Story of Art Without Men to bring the untold stories of art to a young audience, shedding light on the lives of women artists who have gone uncelebrated for too long.

From the Renaissance to the Second World War, and from Cornwall to Manhattan, Nigeria, Japan, step into the extraordinary lives of these women artists and marvel at the art they made, with its striking styles, hidden messages and calls for women’s rights. Discover how they changed the world with their art, and explore how to bring art into your every day.

8+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopAnimation Workshop with Joanna Quinn

Event W11

Animation Workshop with Joanna Quinn

Meet Beryl

–  Family Garden Marquee
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Joanna Quinn is very excited to run this fun animation workshop, where she will introduce her endearing heroine, Beryl, and share the skills and knowledge of behind-the-scenes animation processes from her Oscar-nominated animation career.

Joanna’s creation Beryl is an unconventional heroine, a middle-aged factory worker pursuing her dream as an aspiring artist. Joanna’s film about Beryl and her eccentric family, Affairs of the Art, was nominated for Academy and BAFTA awards. An independent animator and director, Joanna holds over a hundred international awards, including four BAFTAs and two Emmys.

8–11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £20.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkAoife Dooley

Event F42

Aoife Dooley

Squid Squad

–  Spring Stage
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 Enjoy undersea antics with Aoife Dooley as she presents her hilarious, zany and action-packed graphic novel Squid Squad. Spongebob Squarepants meets Bunny Versus Monkey in this cartoon chronicle of ocean mayhem. Join naughty best friends Ollie the vampire squid and Zing the toxin-squirting sea bunny as they cause chaos in the deep sea with the rest of their wacky crew, from the stinky Blob to the crafty Hypno-snail and the mysterious Snakey Unicorn Thing…

Aoife Dooley is an award-winning Irish illustrator and graphic designer who shares how an autism diagnosis helped her to truly understand herself. Squid Squad is a celebration of imagination, friendship and being completely unique.

7+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkEd Vere

Event F43

Ed Vere

Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please

–  Exchange Marquee
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Join award-winning author-illustrator Ed Vere for a story-time session celebrating Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please – a new, brilliantly funny picture book about friendship and respecting each other’s differences.

Waffles loves hugs and would very much like to hug his friend Julius. Julius, however, doesn’t want a hug right now. Can Waffles wait? Ed will bring his crayons to show you how to draw Waffles and Julius… Sketch along with Ed and see how easy it is to draw this loveable duo!

3+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkAF Steadman

Event F44

AF Steadman

World of Skandar

–  Meadow Stage
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The blockbuster Skandar series concluded last year with fifth book Skandar and the Spirit War, and is set to hit the big screen with Sony Pictures. This is an unmissable opportunity to hear about it all straight from the unicorn’s mouth, as author AF Steadman shares the inspirations behind her unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious single-horned beasts.

Come prepared to create your own bloodthirsty unicorn, take part in the Chaos Cup and discover elemental magic!

8+ years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkSerena Patel

Event F46

Serena Patel

Pia’s Pet Club

–  Exchange Marquee
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Calling all pet fans! Join Pia’s Pet Club with Serena Patel, author of the award-winning Anisha, Accidental Detective. Serena will introduce you to Pia, a girl who loves pets, but isn’t allowed one of her own (maybe like you)! But Pia doesn’t give up easily and forms Pet Club with her friend Hari.

Serena will tell you about her own pets, kittens Arlo and Bean and a brand-new puppy. She’ll test your pet-based knowledge with a PAWesome quiz (do you know what percentage of the time cats spend sleeping?) and help you create your own pet story character.

The latest in the Pia’s Pet Club series is Pia’s Pet Club: Secret Kitten, and there’s an official World Book Day book coming up in 2026 – Pia’s Pet Club: Iguana Escape.

7+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

PerformanceDavid Litchfield

Event F47

David Litchfield

The Bear and the Piano Show

–  Meadow Stage
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Award-winning author and illustrator David Litchfield is bringing his Bear Band to Hay Festival on a 10th anniversary concert tour! David will read his book The Bear and the Piano, (winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2016) accompanied by live music, with David on guitar, Rebecca De Winter on piano and lots of audience participation.

After this very special story time, stick around to help David create a piece of animal-related artwork. You can even join David’s Merry Band of Bears as they perform a live music concert. There’ll be plenty of fun for both Little Bears and Big Bears.

3+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

PerformanceOlaf Falafel

Event F48

Olaf Falafel

The Far-Out Five: Snot Jelly Island

–  Spring Stage
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Don’t miss some far-out fun with Olaf Falafel! Join the award-winning comedian, author and illustrator for a fun, interactive session inspired by his new graphic novel The Far-Out Five: Snot Jelly Island. Olaf will be telling jokes, sharing tips on creating funny comics and guiding you through drawing one of his wonderfully weird characters. Warning: this event will contain art, farts and bum-faced woodlice!

7+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ActivityThe Inclusive Books for Children Award Winners

Event F49

The Inclusive Books for Children Award Winners

Inclusive Storytelling

–  Spring Stage
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In this entertaining event for absolutely everyone, we’re celebrating inclusivity in reading in an interactive storytelling session for all the family.

The 2026 Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) Awards winners are: Let’s Play by Alex Strick, Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow for baby and toddler books; The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne and Ruchi Mhasane for picture books; Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy for children’s fiction; and Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs is the Children’s Choice Award winner.

IBC is a charity with a free website for families, schools and libraries to help easily choose books for a more inclusive bookshelf. IBC showcases stories that represent all types of family, featuring books with a variety of ethnicities, positive images of disabilities and different identities.

The IBC Awards celebrate the talent behind the best new inclusive children’s books published in the UK across three categories: baby and toddler books (1–3 years), picture books (3–7 years) and highly illustrated children’s fiction (5–9 years). The Festival bookshop features a dedicated Inclusive Books for Children section showcasing IBC’s top-reviewed books of the year. Come along and get your books signed after the event!

Family, 3–9 years
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkKiran Millwood Hargrave

Event F50

Kiran Millwood Hargrave

The Ship of Strays

–  Exchange Marquee
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Enter the dangerous, magical world of the Geomancer, as Kiran Millwood Hargrave leads us through a quest with the future of the whole world at stake. In The Ship of Strays, the thrilling third book in her epic fantasy trilogy, heroine Ysolda has unlocked the earth magic, and its powers are rising within her. With a rebel princess by her side, she is racing against the fearsome wolf queen. But they’re in for a stormy journey…

The Ship of Strays follows the first two books of the trilogy, In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen and The Storm and the Sea Hawk. Kiran’s other award-winning novels include The Girl of Ink and Stars, Julia and the Shark and The Mercies. She’ll give a peek into her new tale of adventure, share insights into writing enthralling fantasy and give her top tips for world-building and letting your imagination run riot.
9+ years
Please bring your own notebook and pen to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopSimurgh: Flights of Imagination Arts Workshop

Event W13

Simurgh: Flights of Imagination Arts Workshop

With the University of Worcester

–  Family Garden Marquee
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In this inspiring mixed media workshop, you’ll explore the legendary Persian bird, the Simurgh, and the folklore that surrounds it. The Simurgh is a mythical creature and an ancient symbol that appears across time and cultures and in different legends, often with varying roles, qualities and names. It is sometimes depicted with a head of a dog, lion’s claws and a peacock’s body. All materials and equipment provided – just bring your imagination!

University of Worcester staff and students from the Department of Illustration and the International Centre for the Picture Book in Society (ICPBS) return to Hay Festival with their engaging workshops to inspire all young creatives.

7-11 years
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £14.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkCressida Cowell

Event F51

Cressida Cowell

How to Train Your Dragon School: Fight of the Flamestrike

–  Discovery Stage
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Batten down the hatches for the arrival of the next How to Train Your Dragon School adventure! Legendary author and illustrator Cressida Cowell is back, and she’s drawing up a storm. In this high-energy event full of chatting and sketching, Cressida will show you how Viking and Dragon Heroes are made.

In their latest exploit, Hiccup and his fellow Warriors-in-Training are learning Disastrous Lesson Number Two: Boarding-An-Enemy-Ship-At-Sea. Well, they’re supposed to be learning about enemy ships at sea. But when they come across a mysterious vessel, with a ripped sail and nobody driving it, Hiccup’s heart sinks. They really, really shouldn’t get onboard. But… as on so many occasions in Hiccup’s life, they are going to do it anyway.

7+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

TalkJim Smith

Event F54

Jim Smith

My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary 5: The Phantom Pooper

–  Exchange Marquee
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Author and illustrator Jim Smith brings friendship, fun and toilet jokes galore to this event launching the fifth instalment in his graphic novel series My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary.

Join best friends Pedro, Olga and Ozzy – otherwise known as the Poopies – on a series of fun adventure stories, and help them solve mysteries of the most unexpected kind… such as the case of the unflushed poos.

In between author/illustrating, Jim Smith is a kids’ book spellchecker, and also designs cards and gifts under the name Waldo Pancake. As well as spellchecking, Jim offers a free smellchecking service with every book – these ones stink.

7+ years
Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to this event.
Price: £9.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

WorkshopNow You See Me: Printed Portraits Workshop

Event W15

Now You See Me: Printed Portraits Workshop

With the University of Worcester

–  Family Garden Marquee
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In this inspiring arts workshop, supporting neurodivergent participants, you’ll use DIY print-making processes, recycled materials and mixed media to produce a portrait of yourself, or of somebody or something that you love. All materials and equipment provided – just bring your imagination!

University of Worcester staff and students from the Department of Illustration and the International Centre for the Picture Book in Society (ICPBS) return to Hay Festival with their engaging workshops to inspire all young creatives.

All ages welcome
Ages 11 and under – parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket
Price: £14.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

ConversationDara McAnulty and Barry Falls talk to Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Event F56

Dara McAnulty and Barry Falls talk to Kiran Millwood Hargrave

A Wild Child’s Guide to Nature at Night

–  Spring Stage
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Take a journey into nature at night with brilliant young naturalist Dara McAnulty – author of Wild Child – and illustrator Barry Falls. They’ll walk us through nocturnal activity in five different habitats in Britain and Ireland – meeting hedgehogs and moths in the garden; bats, owls, foxes and badgers in woodland; glow worms on the coast; Manx Shearwater in the sky; and corncrakes, dormice and woodcock on the farm.

Learn about circadian rhythms, hibernation, echolocation, biofluorescence, murmurations, the dawn chorus and how to use the stars for orientation. Dara will share his tips on attracting wildlife and creating havens for nocturnal animals and insects, and shine a light on organisations doing their best to help wildlife to thrive. Dara and Barry talk to writer Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

7+ years
Price: £10.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.

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