Students recently enjoyed a memorable visit to the Hay Festival, one of the world's most celebrated literary events. The cost of this was significantly reduced due to a grant from The Arts Council of Wales. The day provided a fantastic opportunity to hear from a range of acclaimed authors, discover new books and experience the unique atmosphere of the festival.
Throughout the day, students attended talks from several well-known writers. Manjeet Mann shared insights into her writing journey and discussed the themes that inspire her work, encouraging students to find inspiration in the world around them.
We also heard from Nathanael Lessore, who spoke about his experiences as an author and the importance of creating stories that reflect the lives and experiences of young people. His session offered an interesting look into the creative process behind his novels.
Sarah Crossan discussed her distinctive style of writing in verse and explained how poetry can be used to tell powerful and emotional stories. Students gained a deeper understanding of the craft of writing and the different ways stories can be told.
Poet Matt Goodfellow delivered an engaging session, sharing some of his work and speaking passionately about the power of words and self-expression. His enthusiasm for poetry inspired many students to think creatively about their own writing.
One of the highlights of the day was hearing from Bernardine Evaristo, who spoke about her award-winning career, the importance of representation in literature and the value of perseverance when pursuing creative ambitions.
Students also enjoyed a fascinating session with Iszi Lawrence, who combined history and storytelling to bring the past to life. Her talk demonstrated how historical events can be transformed into exciting and engaging narratives.
As well as attending author talks, students were able to enjoy some free time exploring the festival site. Blessed with beautiful sunshine throughout the day, pupils had the chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, browse the many bookshops and stalls, and purchase food from a variety of vendors. The festival's lively environment helped make the experience even more enjoyable and gave students the opportunity to discover new books, authors and ideas.
The trip was both educational and enjoyable, giving students a valuable insight into the world of literature while allowing them to experience one of the UK's most famous cultural festivals. We returned inspired by the authors we met, the stories we heard and the unique atmosphere of Hay Festival.
