An inspiring trio of writers and performers will appear in Birmingham on Thursday 23 July in a special event from Hay Festival, the world-famous festival of ideas and art.
Taking over The Old Rep Theatre for a one-off night of entertainment, Hay Festival After Hours: Birmingham will feature broadcaster Natalie Haynes, journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera and poet and performer Vignesh Venkataramaiah aka Vig’s Poetry.
Tickets are on sale now at hayfestival.com/afterhours
Natalie Haynes, who’s from Birmingham, will open the event with My Life in Books revealing the titles that have left the deepest impression on her reading life; followed by award-winning journalist Sathnam Sanghera on his new book Tonight the Music Seems So Loud: The Meaning of George Michael; and slam-winning Birmingham poet and performer Vig’s Poetry will close the night with his distinctive spoken word.
Hay Festival After Hours events take place thanks to the support of the Unwin Charitable Trust, widening access to the important conver sations and performances that take place on our stages year-round. Hay Festival After Hours: Cardiff will take place 12 November with tickets on sale later this year.
Founded in Hay-on-Wye, Wales in 1987, Hay Festival provides audiences with dynamic platforms to come together to share ideas, different perspectives and to provoke conversations that can create a better world.
Hay Festival Global CEO Julie Finch said:
“Birmingham, it’s back! Hay Festival After Hours at the Old Rep Theatre will capture a snapshot of Hay Festival in one magical evening — a chance to enjoy a special taste of this world-famous event right on your doorstep. As a growing charity, we are committed to bringing thought-provoking and inspiring conversations to as many audiences as possible. It’s going to be an unforgettable night. See you there!”
Sathnam Sanghera said:
“Birmingham is so diverse and energetic, making it the perfect stage for a Hay Festival After Hours event. I’m incredibly excited to be part of this special evening.”
About the performers
Natalie Haynes is a best-selling classicist, broadcaster and comedian — known for her BBC Radio 4 series, Natalie Haynes Stands up for the Classics. Her books include A Thousand Ships, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize and most recently, No Friend to This House. Expect wit, wisdom and plenty of recommendations as one of the UK's most acclaimed authors and broadcasters takes us on a personal journey through her literary life.
Sathnam Sanghera is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. He wrote The Boy with the Topknot, Empireland, Empireworld, all focused on British imperialism, and best-selling children’s book Stolen History. His most recent book Tonight the Music Seems so Loud: The Meaning of George Michael explores the life, music, and enduring legacy of one of Britain’s most beloved pop icons.
Vignesh Venkataramaiah aka Vig’s Poetry is a Birmingham-based slam-winning spoken word poet and performer. He has featured at major festivals, art exhibitions and on BBC, mainly exploring identity, mental health and cultural narratives through his craft. He is Regional Producer of Poets Palace Brum, part of the Birmingham Poetry Network, Good Company Brum and BBC Asian Network Represents. He’s also on Punch Records’ and Young Minds Youth Advisory Boards, and a finalist for the IYA Arts and Culture Award, always championing marginalised voices.