Ten sixth-formers from mid and South Wales and the Marches are spending half-term at the Hay Festival (www.hayfestival.com) thanks to the Beacons Project, which aims to increase access to literature for young people living within reach of the Beacons National Park. As well as seeing as many of the 250-plus events as they can, they will take part in workshops with writers including poet Owen Sheers (whose career was kick-started by a visit to Hay with the Beacons Project), novelist Tobias Hill (pictured), philosopher Simon Blackburn and staff from the national park. This year’s participants come from Builth Wells high; Bewdley high; Olchfa comprehensive, Swansea; Newtown high; Tre-gib comprehensive, Llandeilo; and Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, Machynlleth.