It may not have turned out to be the social media election but it may be the year when social media enters the mainstream at the Hay Festival. We were blogging and tweeting last year but there are simply more doing the same in 2010 and we are not alone. ‘Mostly Reading YA‘ will be there, blogging and tweeting, Cambridge at Hay has a blog, and the twittersphere is alive with comments about the events. That’s why we have created a directory of speakers who are on twitter. We need your help though – speakers especially. Message @Making_Hay, and we’ll add you to the list.

1. Bring  your wellies.

It doesn’t rain every year and it ain’t Glastonbury but if you do get a downpour, the walkways around the site can get wet (and a bit soapy!)  The sections in between get muddy quickly, no good for your gladiator sandals or cuban heels.

2. Locate the box office

Get there early to avoid the queues and ask about returns for sold out tickets.  They quite often have them.

3.  Don’t dither on booking

One of the classic Hay experiences is to deliberate too long about a particular event and then when you have decided to go you find it has sold out.  As they always say book early to avoid disappointment.  

4.  Cover your options clothing wise

This is the time of year when it can feel like winter or summer and that’s exacerbated because you’ll be outside or close to the elements for a lot of the time.  The weather can turn on a six pence in May and June so take a bigger bag and pack for every outcome.

5.  Park and ride

Park in one of the car parks in or on the outskirts of the town.  You avoid traffic close to the site and there are shuttle buses that take you to the site.  On foot its a nice stroll and only takes about 10 minutes.

6.  Make time for the town

Hay-on-Wye is world-famous for its secondhand and antiquarian bookshops. There are about thirty major bookshops in the town.  There are also several cafes, other interesting shops and some great ice cream.

7. Reset your body clock 

At least with regard to meal times and if you want to eat on site.  Avoid eating at lunch time as it is incredibly busy especially at the weekends.  It’s a little pricey too so make it a mid-week treat if you can.

8.  Eavesdrop

Listen to what people are saying in the bars an on the walk ways.  You can find out which events are ‘hot’ and get hints and ideas about who to see.

9.  Keep your eyes peeled.

One of the real beauties about the Hay Festival is that the writers, artists, politicians et al wander round the site.  You might just see Jerry Hall gliding past Ed Miliband.

10. Buy a Book at Pembertons

Whether you are into signed copies or not buy something from the on site bookshop, find a deck chair and read it on site.  There is nothing quite like looking up from text to see the author striding past.