Literature lovers rejoice, as Wales’ adored Hay Festival is returning virtually from today until 31st May 2020.
The popular literature and arts festival will not be taking place from the luscious green hills of the Brecon Beacons this year, but do not despair. From the comfort of your own living room, you can immerse your mind in award-winning literature, intellectual debates, and much more by registering online at hayfestival.org. Hay Festival Digital will bring together a selection of the finest novelists, historians, scientists, and Nobel-prize winners, as well as many other leading experts and an array of famous faces, to provide a cultural and ideological extravaganza of innovation.
Speakers will host livestream sessions over the 10 day event, to delight culturally hungry audiences. The full programme is available to view online. However, virtual festival-goers can expect to be involved in vibrant Q&A sessions, presentations, and in-depth discussions on a variety of topics. Hay Festival Digital will be guaranteed to have content that will appeal to a keen interest of yours, as it explores and showcases such a vast amount.
The Hay Festival began in 1987, launched by Peter Florence. Located in Hay-on-Wye, nicknamed the ‘Town of Books’ for its wonderful many book shops. The Festival has grown to become not only an instantly recognisable part of British culture, but also globally. Sister festivals now take place annually in 33 locations and counting, reaching hundreds upon thousands of people.
2020 will bear witness to the first Hay Festival Digital, due to COVID-19. However, this has not deterred spirits, with highlights for this year’s festival looking extremely promising. Many conversations and discussions surrounding the coronavirus will be broached as a part of the programme. A section of the festival entitled #ImagineTheWorld will allow for acclaimed writers and philosophers to share ideas on a post COVID-19 world. The topic will also be investigated and explained during Health and Wellbeing segments, through conversation with leading experts. Many other current and fundamental topics will be explored during scientific discussions, and also via a part of the festival entitled #GreenHay, which analyses thoughts on Climate Change and Green Energy.
Aside from scientific advances, Hay Festival also has a keen underlying focus on literature. Discussion from current authors and poets will be a huge part of this year’s line-up, as well as a moment of fond reflection on our literary greats. As we mark 250 years since the birth of cherished poet William Wordsworth, the festival will pay tribute with a show-stopping cast, including Hay Festival’s very own President, Stephen Fry.
A cultural and intellectual delight for all, Hay Festival Digital will be accessible for free. Thanks to the efforts of the not-for-profit organisation and an online fundraiser, which received generous donations. Alongside the main Hay Festival, there will also be a Hay Programme for Schools between 18th-22nd May, aimed especially at children studying from home. It will feature online activities to inspire and entertain the whole family.
https://www.hayfestival.com/digital
Words: Rebecca Llewellyn