The Hay Festival

We are very lucky that Tall John’s house is so near the charming little town of Hay-on-Wye. If the name means anything to you it is either because you live in the area or because you know of the Hay Festival.

This year the Hay Festival starts on Thursday 23rd May and closes on Sunday 2nd June and you can still pick up tickets for lots of the wonderful experiences on offer.

Honestly it’s hard to pick out specials from such a marvelous and eclectic line-up, but if you enjoy comedy I think Jo Brand talking to Stephanie Merritt on 24th May 22, 2019 is a great highlight…. In the words of the advertising:-

Once upon a (very, very) long time ago Jo Brand was what you might describe as ‘a nice little girl’. Of course, that was before the values of cynicism, misogyny and the societal expectation that Jo would be thin, feminine and demure sent her off down Arsey Avenue. Now she’s considerably further along life’s inevitable bloody ‘journey’ – and she’s fucked up enough times to feel confident she has no wisdom to offer anyone. But who cares? She’s going to do it anyway...

Or perhaps you like your comedy mixed with some music and storytelling – in which case what about the fabulous Bill Bailey on Sunday 26th May? A compendium of travellers’ tales and the general shenanigans of twenty years as a travelling comedian. With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Plus, he fashions a symphony from a ringtone, tells the real story of Old McDonald and reimagines the Stars and Stripes.

But even just to stroll around popping into this and that is an experience in itself. All set against the backdrop of beautiful Welsh countryside – worth a visit I promise!