There’s no need to venture far afield this half-term to enjoy a packed programme of family activities. Hay Festival, 26 May-5 June, offers 100 events specifically for children and teenagers in its Haydays programme, featuring famous authors, storytelling sessions, CBBC stars, workshops, ‘make and take’ sessions, and a breakout area, the Haydays courtyard.

Favourite writers Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo and Cressida Cowell return, while newcomers M G Leonard, Kiran Millward Hargrave and Alwyn Hamilton present their work for the first time. Aardman Animations lead model-making tutorials, and the cast of Wolfblood will be on site. The Blue Peter Book Award winners will be announced by presenter Lyndsey Russell, who will also lead one of several centenary celebrations of Roald Dahl, the Welsh-born, world-famous storyteller.

The 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death is commemorated with experts and actors demonstrating how relevant the playwright is to our lives today, and the RSC is running children’s workshops on the first two days, which are devoted to free events for State schools throughout Herefordshire – Primary and Secondary. The sessions focus on core curriculum subjects for stages 2, 3 and 4, and give children the chance to meet their heroes.

Hay Festival offers young adults and students amazing reach into the world of creative writing and further education. In the HAYYA strand, Patrick Ness discusses the film version of The Monster Calls with actor Lewis MacDougall, who plays his hero, Conor; Holly Smale talks about her phenomenally successful Geek Girl series, and Caspar Lee reveals (with his mum) how he feels about being a vlogging sensation. The winner of The Bookseller YA prize, judged in part by Hereford Sixth Form College, will be announced live on stage on 2 June. This year, 16 to 25-year-olds have their own hub, Hay Festival Compass, where they can quiz academics about university options and watch three-minute films, Hay Levels, presented by experts in every field. Great for revision.

In the 29 years since Hay Festival began, it has extended its remit to all areas of the arts, as well as politics, history, science and the environment, attracting speakers from across the globe. So successful is the formula that there are now sister Hay festivals in Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Peru.

For more information, and to book tickets for this year’s Hay Festival, visit hayfestival.org or ring the Box office on 01497 822629.