Hay Winter Weekend is back in Hay, this weekend, in Winter.
What is it? It’s a bitesize version of the sprawling, bohemian celebration of books and wisdom that is Hay Festival. It lasts just four days, takes place across several venues, and involves notably more knitwear than its summer cousin. Which is saying something.
With all the brilliant minds - and Marcus Brigstocke - descending on the border town for 72 hours, often the hardest thing is deciding which talks to book up.
As a general rule you want to apply a 1:1 ratio of Things That Look Really Fun and Things That Are Going To Make You Feel Really Smart Next Time You Talk To Your Friends. Then maybe throw in some music at the Globe and a cocktail or two at the Old Electric Shop.
But as to what specifically to check out this year, here’s our picks in a handy, Amazon algorithim-esque If You Liked This Then Try This format.
Mary Portas – Work Like A Woman
Ex-business guru, turned ex-tv show host, turned ex-political advisor on how to do business.
Friday, 5.30pm.
You may also like: The Apprentice, late night shopping, talking about the Elton John Lewis Christmas ad at work.
James O’Brien – How to be right
One of a seemingly shrinking minority of LBC talk radio hosts not going to Hell, O’Brien is in Hay for a talk that couldn’t be better titled.
Saturday, 2.30pm.
You may also like: live-tweeting Question Time, bootcut jeans, winning arguments down the pub.
Helena Kennedy talks to Laura Bates – Eve was shamed
The Baroness barrister broadcaster talks about how our legal system is failing, and set up to fail, women.
Sunday, 12.30pm.
You may also like: advocating for equality, the forensic examination of a bias underlying one of society’s major institutions, not arguing about whether the next Bond should be a woman.
Various – What Do We Do Now
Four (very clever) people sort out Brexit, Trump and why your phone battery runs out so quickly in a caffeine-fuelled panel. All before elevenses.
the panel includes; journalist and food commissioner, Baroness Boycott ex-Times editor Simon Jenkins, LBC host James O'Brien and writer Jeanette Winterson.
Sunday, 10am.
You may also like: TED talks, telling people 'there's no simple solution', giving people simple solutions.
Gina Miller – Rise!
The woman who definitely didn’t stop Brexit, took some big swings, wrote a book about how to fight the fight when you know you’re right.
Sunday, 5pm.
You may also like: Europe, The Guardian’s Politics Weekly, living in a contemporary democracy.
Richard Williams – Nosferatu screening w/ live organ accompaniment
Classic silent horror film from 1922 - when false teeth counted as a special effect – gets creepier still with a live organ soundtrack in a church.
Friday, 9.30pm.
You may also like: Halloween more than Christmas, going to church ironically, A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum.
Marcus Brigstocke – Devil May Care
The second most famous TV panel comedian with glasses after Sean Locke. And now Romesh Ranganathan. So third. But still very funny.
Friday, 8.30pm
You may also like: Retweeting Rob Delaney, Mock The Week, a hearty Malbec.
Oliver Bullough – Moneyland
The investigative journalist on how the 1%ers continue to successfully McMafia the taxman and keep the rest of us Wetherspoons classes off their superyachts.
Sunday, 11am.
You may also like: Netflix documentaries on Putin, the Panama Papers, predicting the end of capitalism/the world on the drive home.
Maggie Aderin-Pocock – The Sky at Night: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbour
A bonafide lunar expert on everything moon-related, from the space rock’s history to when EasyJet are going to start running package deals up there.
Saturday, 7pm.
You may also like: Star Wars, Brian Cox podcasts, telescopes.
Simon Jenkins – From Pericles to Putin: A Short History of Europe
The ex-Times editor sums up 2000 years of European war, culture, warring leaders and cultural leaders in just over an hour. For a tenner. Bet you regret spending 20-grand on a history degree, now.
Saturday, 1pm.
If you like: having a book beside your bed, The Marr Show, context.
Horatio Clare – Winter Wayfaring
Like, Bear Grylls, if Bear Grylls made more programmes on bracing walks and swallows. The Black Mountains native is talking about winter and Bach.
Saturday, 11.30am.
You may also like: Michael Portillo’s BBC shows on great train journeys.
