Nestled in the charming book town of Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border, the Hay Festival is one of the world's most prestigious literary and cultural festivals. Dubbed by Bill Clinton as "the Woodstock of the mind," this annual eleven-day event takes place every May and brings together Nobel Prize-winning authors, global policymakers, scientists, historians, and musicians. It serves as a vibrant global forum where audiences and thinkers gather to debate cutting-edge ideas, share diverse perspectives, and celebrate the power of storytelling. Far from being a stuffy academic conference, the festival combines a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with intellectual rigour, inspiring creativity and fostering community long after the final tent is packed away.

On Friday, 22 May, members of staff from the English Department had the privilege of attending the Secondary Schools’ Day at the Hay Festival with a group of Year 8 pupils. On a gloriously sunny day, pupils were treated to a series of talks from authors including Matt Goodfellow, Mel Owen and Curtis Jobling, even seeing Curtis Jobling draw his design for the original Bob the Builder. From getting involved in the quiz to browsing the bookshops with genuine enthusiasm, our pupils were a credit to themselves and the school throughout the day. It was a fantastic opportunity to see their passion for reading and creativity come to life outside the classroom, making it a truly memorable trip for everyone involved.