The Queen’s Reading Room collaborates with Hay Festival 2024

Hay Festival 2024 will partner with The Queen’s Reading Room.

On Thursday 30 May, this partnership will see Joseph Coelho, winner of Waterstones’ children’s programme, join authors Frank Cottrell-Boyce (patron of The Reader Organisation) and Cressida Cowell (former children’s winner) as they delve into the history of children’s literature.

The trio, respected names in children’s literature, will present a quick tour of their favorite books, highlighting the rich history of the genre.

Acclaimed actor Freddie Fox, known for his roles in The Crown and House of the Dragon, will bring the works to life through his readings on the world stage.

The Queen’s Reading Room, established as an Instagram book club by Her Majesty The Queen in 2021, is a charity dedicated to promoting the joys of reading.

The partnership will also uncover the relationship between reading and wellbeing, a connection illuminated by recent findings from a neuroscientific study from the Queen’s Reading Room.

Reading just five minutes a day could reduce stress by almost 20 percent, improve concentration by 11 percent and improve problem-solving skills.

Tickets for the partnership event can be obtained on the festival website.

This is just one of more than 600 events attendees can enjoy from May 23 to June 2.

Julie Finch, Global CEO of Hay Festival, expressed her satisfaction with the pairing.

“The Queen’s Reading Room is a charity that shares our mission to spread the joy of reading around the world,” she said.

“It’s a privilege to support their work in reaching new audiences, by partnering with their first public event in Wales to present an exciting line-up of writers and performers aimed at young people.”

Vicki Perrin, CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room, added: “The Queen’s Reading Room is delighted to make its Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye debut with an enchanting conversation featuring renowned authors Joseph Coelho, Cressida Cowell, Frank Cottrell -Boyce and actor Freddie Fox.

“As a charity, we are fascinated by the relationship between reading fiction and wellbeing and we can’t wait to present this very special live edition of The Queen’s Reading Room.

“We know this will be a must-see event at Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye 2024.”

In addition to the activities scheduled during the day, visitors can wander around and enjoy the revamped site.

The Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye 2024 has garnered the support of high-profile sponsors including Baillie Gifford, Welsh Government, Arts Council England and Wales, among others.