Live from the Hay Festival

Join us for an impressive programme of events livestreamed from the to Hull Central Library!

Please book your free tickets in advance for each event.

SATURDAY 23 MAY

James Reckitt Reading Room, Hull Central Library

1.00pm - Elodie Harper and Janina Ramirez talk to Samira Ahmed /

(Mis)representation: Women’s Stories

Peel back the layers of history and learn the stories of misunderstood, ignored and forgotten women in this discussion with writers Elodie Harper and Janina Ramirez. The pair speak to journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed about finding and writing about the stories of real women from centuries past.

Harper’s latest novel is Boudicca’s Daughter, in which she imagines the life of Solina, daughter to the legendary warrior and queen. Harper, who worked as a reporter at ITV News, is also the best-selling author of the Wolf Den trilogy.

Historian Ramirez’s Legenda looks at how the lives of women including Joan of Arc and Lady Godiva have been misrepresented by those keen to craft national identities. She explores the real stories behind the legends. Ramirez is an Oxford University academic, author of Femina, and a regular guest presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row.

2.30pm - Mariana Mazzucato talks to Zanny Minton Beddoes /

The Common Good Economy: A Vision for a New Way of Living

The climate crisis is accelerating. Inequality is deepening. Public trust is crumbling. Ahead of the release of her new book, the visionary economist Professor Mariana Mazzucato presents a new theory of the common good – a rigorous reimagining of economics and a manifesto for a future economy that serves people and the planet. She talks to editor-in-chief of The Economist Zanny Minton Beddoes.

5.30pm - Dawn French talks to Richard Coles /

Enough: The Comedian and Author’s New Novel

Dawn French has been making us all laugh for decades. But her new novel is an emotional tearjerker – telling the story of a 68-year-old woman who unexpectedly gathers her family around her to tell them this will be her last day alive. French talks about the idea behind the book – the ultimate cure for old age – and how she writes serious subjects without sacrificing any of the comedy. All her previous books have been best-sellers, and as a comedian and actor, she’s appeared in some of the UK’s most celebrated shows, from French and Saunders and The Vicar of Dibley to her recent comedy-drama Can You Keep a Secret? She talks to parish priest turned author Richard Coles.

THURSDAY 28 MAY

Reference Library, Hull Central Library

2.30pm - Mary Berry talks to Mel Giedroyc /

My Gardening Life

The wonderful Dame Mary Berry reveals her second great love: gardening. It’s been a life-long passion, starting when she was a small girl who watched her father growing vegetables. Here she tells us how getting hands-on in her own garden has been a constant source of joy throughout her life. An uplifting conversation filled with personal anecdotes and practical guidance, all illustrated with beautiful photos from Mary’s own garden. She talks to comedian and former host of The Great British Bake Off Mel Giedroyc.

SATURDAY 30 MAY

Children’s Library, Hull Central Library

11.30am - Emma Thompson, Cressida Cowell, Paterson Joseph, Chris Riddell and Jane Riordan hosted by Frank Cottrell-Boyce

A Celebration of Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100th Anniversary /

We’re having a party to celebrate Pooh turning 100! Come and join us for this special Winnie-the-Pooh family show, hosted by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, co-writer of the film Goodbye Christopher Robin.

We’ll enjoy readings from special guests including: actor and Winnie-the-Pooh fan Emma Thompson; How to Train Your Dragon author/illustrator Cressida Cowell; Wonka actor Paterson Joseph; and Jane Riordan, author of the Winnie-the-Pooh prequel and sequel story collections written in the style of AA Milne.

Ottoline and Goth Girl author/illustrator Chris Riddell, who was inspired by the illustrations of EH Shepard, will be live illustrating throughout. This is a heartwarming show for the whole family to celebrate all things Winnie-the-Pooh in his 100th year.

Family, 4+ years

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