The ambitious programme includes live performances, workshops and storytelling and the two specially curated days are free for state schools and funded by the Welsh Government and Hay Festival Foundation.
Over the course of the Festival the prestigious line up of authors and internationally acclaimed, scientists, historians, poets, novelists and entertainers, includes authors Julian Clary, Cressida Cowell, Eoin Colfer, David Almond, Patrice Lawrence; poets Joe Coelho and Eric Ngalle Charles, storyteller Daniel Morden; maths prodigy Anne-Marie Imafidon; BBC presenter Katie Thistleton and broadcaster and teen ambassador Gemma Cairney.
Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said, “I want all our young people to be able to appreciate the power, beauty and resonance of words. The Hay Festival Schools Days programme will give learners from across Wales access to some of the most talented and inspirational writers and performers.”
Festival director Peter Florence said children went to the festival with open minds and were a brilliant audience.
He said, “They come to everything fresh and they’ve got this golden age of brilliant writers for children. There has never been a better time to be a reader if you are a kid.”