Book Festival Tips

A Hay Book Festival devotee is the leader and organiser of my local book group. She goes every year. From her I learned that the Daily Telegraph which sponsors the event also gives daily accounts of the events so that even if you were unable to buy tickets you can read about the excitements and controversies - such as two panellists, historians or novelists, who disagree vehemently, or audiences who applaud, jeer, boo or simply walk out.

This year, my first I did not bother picking up the newspaper, even when it was free or was paid for but came with a free gift, thinking I had enough to carry with all the books, and more than enough to read, and would pick it up later. Next year I shall make a point of securing a copy every day and reading about all the excitement.

Knowing that most nearby accommodation was booked, we hunted all over Wales for a room and eventually found a lovely gourmet hotel with a leisure centre. However, none of the other guests were going to the book festival. If you stay at a nearby guesthouse the advantage can be that you share a table at breakfast with other festival goers.