A compelling analysis and portrait of the C18th theorist, subversive and founder of modern conservatism, from the 2012 Parliamentarian of the Year. Chaired by Guto Harri.
The visionary Colombian architect is the most eminent proponent of bamboo as an essential building component. He talks about his work and commitment to convert bamboo from a symbol of poverty into a symbol of sustainability. Introduced by Marianne Ponsford.
The geneticist decodes a four-billion-year journey of discovery to explain what life is, where it came from and in what form it first appeared. Now, our mastery of genetics allows us to create entirely new life-forms within the laboratory – goats that produce spider silk in their milk, bacteria that excrete diesel, cells that identify and destroy tumours.
Join in story-time and craft activities with Belle & Boo, the bob-haired little girl and her adorable bunny friend.
Duration 45 mins.
4+ years
See also event HF23
Join us in making Mini Spanish Omelettes, Welsh Sushi, Giant Chocolate Waffles, Sicilian Chicken and No Bake Cheesecakes. The menu will be rotated between sessions on a daily basis.
9–12 years – children must be accompanied
An introduction to the map layout, symbols and scales on paper and digital devices; the Ordnance Survey grid system, including being able to take four figure and six figure grid references; how to use a compass effectively and how to take compass bearings.
Suitable for all ages 7+ years
The legendary journalist who broke the Watergate story for The Washington Post discusses the second-term Obama administration, and the resonant American anniversaries of Gettysburg (150), the end of the Vietnam War (40) and JFK's assassination (50) with Peter Florence.
In her autobiography, the novelist brings us face to face with a literary life of high drama and contemplation. And along the way there are encounters with Hollywood giants, pop stars and literary titans – all of whom lend this life, so gorgeously, sometimes painfully remembered here, a terrible poignancy.
The interpreter for presidents Sarkozy, Mitterrand and Chirac discusses the subtleties of translation and negotiation, and the big beasts of France.
The distinguished economist examines the inexorable growth of the world’s second largest economy as it makes the transition from central planning and faces the challenges of a developing country. Chaired by Guto Harri.
The Book Of My Lives is a love song to Sarajevo and to Hemon’s adopted Chicago; it is a heart-breaking paean to the bonds of family; it is a stirring exhortation to go out and play football. Halfon’s mesmerising stories in The Polish Boxer blur the lines between memoir and fiction. Barr’s Maggie & Me is a touching and darkly witty memoir about surviving Thatcher’s Britain; a story of growing up gay in a straight world and coming out the other side in spite of, and maybe because of, the Iron Lady. They talk to Tiffany Murray.
How should we be talking about the crisis within our natural environment? How can we make nature as popular as sport and as politically relevant as health? Chaired by Hay-on-Earth Director Andy Fryers.
Get the gift of the gab and add vim to your vocab with these lively linguists. A must for budding writers!
7+ years
Join us in making Mini Spanish Omelettes, Welsh Sushi, Giant Chocolate Waffles, Sicilian Chicken and No Bake Cheesecakes. The menu will be rotated between sessions on a daily basis.
13–16 years
Bad waiters, bum tables, little rip-offs, big cons, old fish, cheap meat, yesterday’s soup and tomorrow’s gastroenteritis… The splenetic humorist tells us how to avoid the lot, and even come out of it with free champagne and a dish named after you by way of apology.
The international view of Britain’s place in Europe from the French Ambassador to Berlin, the Colombian author of When Latin America Rules The World and the Director of the Centre for India & Global Business at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
In this lecture, sumptuously illustrated with images of William Morris’ work collected at the V&A, Parry provides new insight into the embroideries, printed and woven textiles, carpets and tapestries produced by Morris & Co.
We know we love the NHS. It’s up there with Shakespeare and the Olympics. And we all want to improve it. Prof Tallis argues that the Government’s Health And Social Care Act will result in the death of some of the members of the audience, will cause others to suffer, and will financially ruin many more – and asks what can be done… Chaired by Julie Grigg GP.
Two of America’s greatest fiction writers read and talk. Saunders introduces and reads from his wryly hilarious story collection Tenth Of December. Salter launches his novel All That Is.