Hay Festival 2019 Programme

In just over three generations, we have consumed approximately half the useful oil that it took photosynthesis around two million years to produce. In two generations we have used around half our useful uranium resources. We are faced with an urgent choice, the roots of which lie in 1905 with the discovery of Einstein’s ‘other’ equation, E = hf. This little-known equation, which began the quantum revolution, could hold the key to our future survival through the generation of electricity from sunlight.

Mirror, Mirror: The Uses and Abuses of Self-Love

Everyone deplores narcissism, especially in others. The vain are by turns annoying or absurd, offending us whether they are blissfully oblivious or proudly aware of their behaviour. But are narcissism and vanity really as bad as they seem? Can we avoid them even if we try?

Consider a world where gold is worthless, banks do not exist and international trade is banned. Would our lives be better if all work was fun, debt was wiped out and anybody could live wherever they wanted?

Backing innovation and creating opportunity. Chris Peel is the Managing Director of ReHab Jobfit.

FREE BUT TICKETED

Find out how the rhythm section works together, with techniques and tips in a hands-on session.
12–17 years
Places Limited

Join Kate Pankhurst to find out all about the latest Mariella Mystery – The Curse of the Pampered Poodle – and get some top tips on writing a funny mystery story.
7+ years

The Portuguese historian examines different forms of racism, particularly against New Christians and Moriscos in Iberia, black slaves and freedmen in colonial and postcolonial environments, Native Americans, Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, and Jews in modern Europe. Exploring instances of enslavement, forced migration and ethnic cleansing, Bethencourt reflects on genocide and the persecution of ethnicities in C20th Europe. Chaired by Oscar Guardiola-Rivera.

The bestselling novelist launches his new crime series. Twenty years ago seven rich, privileged students became friends at their exclusive private school, Potter’s Field. Now they have started dying in the most violent way imaginable. Cometh Detective Max Wolfe…

Having It All: How to Strike a Work-Life Balance
The Country Living editor discusses one of the key entrepreneurial skills with the founders of the iconic Emma Bridgewater ceramics company.

In a prelude celebration to next year’s 150th anniversary of the Welsh colony in Patagonia, two of the most brilliant writers from the two countries exchange stories across languages and cultures. They talk with Daniel Hahn.

Ren Kapur is a serial entrepreneur with a focus on social-values-driven enterprise and has set up and delivered a number of businesses and innovative business solutions.

FREE BUT TICKETED

The author of the phenomenally successful Young Bond series talks about his writing and the fifth instalment in his bestselling zombie adventure series, The Fallen. A writer, actor and comedian, Charlie studied gothic literature at university and is a huge fan of horror.
12+ years (YA)

Celebrate Horrid Henry’s 20th birthday with the bestselling author. Discover what led her to create everyone’s favourite naughty boy. Step into the world of Horrid Henry and relive 20 years of hilarious adventures with Horrid Henry’s Krazy Ketchup, the brand new Horrid Henry story. With a special appearance by Horrid Henry illustrator Tony Ross.

6+ years