May 17, 2011 2.23 pm This story is over 153 months old

Lincoln to host one-day Hay festival

Festival taster: The famous literary Hay festival is coming to Lincoln for one day only.

The famous literary Hay festival is coming to Lincoln for one day only.

It will take place on May 28 and includes talks from current Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, writer Daniel Swift and actor Steven Berkoff at The Collection museum.

The original Hay festival is an annual event that takes place in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye and was devised in 1988 by Norman and Peter Florence.

It has since expanded from celebrating literature to also cover musical performances and film previews.

Cultural Solutions director Dave Lambert came up with the idea to bring the Hay festival to Lincoln.

He said: “Hay is the one festival all literature and arts enthusiasts want to go to but it’s a difficult journey from Lincolnshire. That’s why I thought it would be a great idea to bring the festival here.

“I contacted Hay’s director Peter Florence and he was really enthusiastic about the idea and gave it his blessing.

“There are Hay Festivals in The Maldives, Belfast, Cartagena, Beirut, Cape Town and Nairobi, and it’s wonderful to add Lincoln Hay Day to the international list.”

The day is part of the Cultural Olympiad, which is designed to leave a legacy after the 2012 olympics.

The day will consist of talks from famous poets and authors, as well as workshops and a Desert Island Books with Steven Berkoff.

Tickets for the event can be bought from The Drill Hall. All-day tickets cost £19 (£9 concessions) and evening tickets cost £18 (£14), whilst tickets for individual events vary from £4 (£2) to £12 (£5).

Source: City of Lincoln Council | Photo: Finn Beales