Hay Festival 2014

A practical, fun workshop for all the family. You’ll work together as actors do during RSC rehearsals but no previous experience or knowledge is required as you’ll be introduced to characters and themes from Shakespeare’s History plays on the day. This workshop is for all members of the family to join in with.

Most suitable for 7+ years

The novelist revisits his classic Great War novel, first published in 1993. He describes the genesis, research and resonance of the book. Chaired by Stephanie Merritt.

The classicist introduces his translation of the first work of history, a work that tells us much of what we know about the ancient world. Herodotus was an endlessly curious man, and gathered information about the world around him from as many people and places as he could investigate. Whether it was the pyramids of Egypt, the cannabis habit of the Scythians, the flora and fauna of Arabia or the table dancing of the Athenian aristocracy, he was fascinated by them all. His accounts of the great battles of Marathon and Thermopylae, of Salamis and Plataea, retain to this day a matchless epic quality.

What really goes on in the long grass? Lewis-Stempel offers a hymn to pastoral beauty with an intimate account of an English meadow’s life from January to December. He records the passage of the seasons from cowslips in spring to the hay-making of summer and grazing in autumn, and the lives of the animals that inhabit the grass and the soil beneath: the badger clan, the fox family, the rabbit warren, the skylark brood and the curlew pair.

What part do culture and the arts play in tackling poverty in Wales? Do tough times lead to greater artistic expression and increased participation in cultural activities? The Welsh Government’s Minister for Culture & Sport discusses what role government has in widening opportunities across Wales with the Chair of Arts Council Wales. The Minister is in conversation with Dai Smith, an historian, biographer, novelist and chair of the Arts Council of Wales and the award-winning novelist and playwright Rachel Trezise.

FREE BUT TICKETED

204] 2.30pm, the summerhouse, Five organisations shortlisted for the Future Dragons’ Den will tell their stories, practise their pitches and share ideas on how they’d use the £10,000 grant if they won the Den. Also see events 209, 253, 258, 299, 303

Stewart and Riddell return to the world of The Edge Chronicles with the first in a brand new series of adventures starring Cade Quarter. Over three million copies have been sold, and this is a must-see event for fans of the series, including live drawing throughout.
9+ years

There are hundreds of stories about the bravery and loyalty of dogs in wartime. Rix and Kelleher discuss the inspiration for their books, A Soldier’s Friend and A Dog in No Man’s Land. Chaired by Daniel Hahn.
7+ years

Princes and Painters in Mughal Delhi, 1707–1857

This turbulent epoch when the Mughal Empire waned and the East India Company boomed witnessed a burst of artistic innovation and experimentation. Delhi’s artists became adept at improvising with a variety of techniques, creating traditional miniatures while continually experimenting with new European styles. Dalrymple shows the masterpieces created and tells their stories.

Reform in Europe for its 500 million citizens must go far beyond stabilising the euro, formidable and fraught though that task may be. Introducing an array of new ideas, Giddens suggests this is the time for a far-reaching rethink of the European project as a whole.

The peerless connoisseur and wine writer, author of Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book and co-author of The World Atlas of Wine,savours his craft and tastes and introduces Royal Tokaji.

Jennifer Clement (former president of PEN Mexico) and Cristina Henríquez discuss their work.

‘The theme of Prayers for the Stolen is the wanton violence inflicted on women and the destruction of communities as a result of the drug trade in Mexico, but Clement’s eye for the revealing detail, the simple poetry of her language and the visceral authenticity of her characters turn that deadening reality into a compelling, tragically beautiful novel’ – Yann Martel. Henríquez tells the passionate and powerful love story of a Panamanian boy and Mexican girl living the brutal reality of the immigrant’s American dream.

Five participants, four Dragons and three minutes to tell a story that will capture the Dragons’ hearts, minds and cheque books for a chance to win a grant of £10,000. See also events 204, 253, 258, 299, 303

FREE BUT TICKETED

Taking up one simple opportunity can open up multiple doors and set up an exciting journey and amazing career path. How to grab every opportunity and also provide opportunities to others when you have the power to do so.

News, views and an eclectic choice of live and recorded music – including Mercury Prize-nominated folk starSam Lee, comedian and author Ruby Wax, National Poet of Wales Gillian Clarke, historian William Dalrymple, best-selling author of Birdsong Sebastian Faulks and an interview with pianist Alfred Brendel on music and poetry. Presented by Sean Rafferty. Broadcast live, Mondays to Fridays 4.30pm–6.30pm.

Age – PG. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

FREE BUT TICKETED

How I Live Now was published in 2004 to huge critical acclaim and has been made into a major feature film, starring Saoirse Ronan. Since then, the novelist has produced a spectacular body of work for teenagers and adults, and won numerous awards. She will talk about her writing including her latest novel, the highly acclaimed Picture Me Gone.
12+ years (YA)