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Swap cider and marquees for mulled wine and roaring fires and you have the Hay Festival Winter Weekend.
This is the bite-size version of the world famous summer event, which gathers the greatest literary minds from across the globe to chat, debate philosophies on life and generally enjoy a few days in the picturesque market town of Hay.
“You’re far more likely to be open to new ideas and debate with passion and open-mindedness if you are among beautiful surroundings,” says the festival’s sustainability director Andy Fryers, who is also directing the Winter Weekend this month.
“It’s something to do with being outside of the city and away from all the buildings. If you’re more relaxed and enjoying yourself then you’re far more willing to be open to new things. That’s our main philosophy.”
While the small Powys town may have a humble population of around 1,500, it also has a whopping 39 second-hand book shops and the main event – which opens during the May Bank Holiday weekend, has famously attracted the likes of Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Gordon Brown in the past.
“It’s a very special position to be in,” Fryers says of his job. “I have met some very influential people and have given others the chance to meet them.
“You will be walking down the street in this tiny little place and boom… there’s Bill Clinton, this massive political figure. What’s fantastic is the craziness of it all.”
The festival was originally founded by its director Peter Florence and his father Norman in 1988.
“They essentially wanted to have a party and created an opportunity to bring people up from areas around the country to a small place to sit and have a debate, surrounded by natural beauty,” says Fryers.
Now in its 26th year, the Hay Festival has spread across the globe and has married minds as far away as Budapest, Mexico and the Maldives. The more intimate Winter Weekend is now in its 14th year and the team behind it are now counting down to its opening on November 29.
“The Hay Festival Winter Weekend is a much smaller event than the main one in the summer months. It feels a little cosier and more intimate, but it still attracts a lot of big names.”
The line-up includes legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes; Simon Singh who will be talking about the mathematical secrets of The Simpsons; comedian Marcus Brigstocke with his latest stand-up show and the QI writing team.
Chris Huhne’s estranged wife Vicky Pryce will be talking about life in prison. She was jailed for eight months for perverting the court of justice after taking speeding points for the former politician in 2003.
One of the writers of intellectual quiz show QI, John Lloyd, was also one of the creative minds behind the Blackadder series. He wrote a book called Liff With Douglas Adams (writer of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). And at the Hay Festival Winter Weekend, he wil be discussing its sequel, Afterliff.
Guests to the Winter Weekend will also be able to take a fresh look at the natural world around them. There will be an examination of the iconic British Oak tree; a study of badgers with Patrick Barkham; animal behaviourist John Bradshaw who aims to change the way you look at your cat forever and horticultural historian Jennifer Potter.
There is plenty on the cards for children and families too with an interactive storytelling version of The Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of Peter Pan as well as craft workshops. Comic children’s author Marianne Levy will introduce her heroine Ellie May.
To add a touch of festivity and kick-start the Christmas countdown, the Theatrix Shadow Puppet Theatre will present A Christmas Carol.
“Hay is about sharing knowledge and expertise before giving people the opportunity to go off and explore more for themselves,” adds Fryers.
“Being involved in the festival has given me an opportunity to do and experience things which I never dreamed I would be able to do before I joined the organisation.
“The Hay Festival Winter Weekend will be the main event in a microcosm – 51 events as opposed to the 780-odd events held in the summer.”
Hay Festival Winter Weekend takes place from November 29 to December 1 at Hay Castle and The Swan Hotel. For full details, visit www.hayfestival.org . The box office number is 01497 822 629
