What are the dates for the Festival in 2011?

16th September through to the 18th September 2011. Please refer to the festival programme for exact times.

 

Where is the Festival?

The Festival takes place in a temporary ‘tented’ city in the Railway Sports Club Grounds in Nairobi. There is secure parking available within the grounds.

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How much does it cost?

Entry into the Festival is 500/= per day. This gives you access to all the events happening on that day (except for premium events and events requiring pre-registration, marked with a * on the festival programme). To sweeten the deal, we throw in a free Storymoja book with a regular ticket.

 

Are there special season tickets or group rates?

Season discounted passes are available at 1,000/= for a three day pass (this does not include a book).

 

A special group rate of 400/= per child is available for primary and secondary schools. This rate is applicable for groups of 50 and over. Email [email protected] to enquire or make a booking.

 

Where can I buy tickets?

 

I have never been to the Festival before, how does it work?

One ticket, five event areas, and a whole day’s worth of fantastic sessions to participate in.

Within the Festival grounds, there are 4 event tents, and the Storyhippo Children’s Village. Sessions run for 1 and half hours in every tent, so you pick and choose which ones you want to attend. Of course this means that it would be very difficult to attend all the sessions at the Festival (unless of course you can split yourself into four!), but it also allows for a great variety of events.

 

There will be time in between sessions to mingle, grab a drink, lie out and read the next chapter of your book, or even to pin down your favourite author for an autograph.

 

I am interested in participating in the workshops on offer

Thursday and Friday will be focussed more on workshops; if you are a budding travel-writer, aspiring poet or would like to learn the craft from the masters, you can register for these special sessions. Please note, the prices may vary, so please consult the programme and event descriptions for more information.

 

Is it good for families?

It is an excellent choice for families. There is an entire Village dedicated to children; the Storyhippo Zone which caters for children and teenagers of all ages. There are interactive sessions, fun activities, Publish Your Own Book sessions, funky science experiments, a comedy show just for children, and even the opportunity to be included in the Time Capsule which will be opened in the future…..

 

All children coming to the Festival will be required to wear bands which they will receive at the entrance. This will have guardian/parent contact details and other important information. The Storyhippo Children’s Zone will have staff that you can liaise with to ensure your child’s safety as you enjoy the adult sessions.

 

What else happens at the Festival?

There are a range of Premium events that you can attend. You can find more details here (COMING SOON) (LINKED)

 

In between sessions, there will be music and performances. You can buy food and drinks at the food court, browse the bookshops, wander through the Exhibition Area, participate in the twitter competition or just finish that hard-to-put-down book of yours.

 

Which guests have attended?

The festival has hosted some of the best international and local authors, performers and thinkers. These include Vikram Seth, Hanif Kurieshi, Benjamin Zephaniah, Michella Wrong, John Kiriamiti, Oyunga Pala, Sunny Bindra, Tiffany Murray, Gladwell Otieno, Ryan Lewis, Judy Kibinge, Katrice Horsley, Doreen Baingana, Igoni Barett, Reima Makinen, Wanuri Kahiu, Mshai Mwangola, Pepe Minambo, John Sibi Okumu, Njoki Ndungu, Jane Bussman, Shailja Patel, Crhis Hart, Eric Omondi, Kate Adie, Mukoma wa Ngugi, Tony Kan, Bibi Bakare-Yousuf, Francois Devenne, Monica Arac, Tolu Ogunlesi, Chika Unigwe, Lee Siegel, Day Foster, Billy Kahora, Yvonne Owour, Paraselelo Kantai and many others.

 

How did it start?

From a one-day Nyama Choma Fiesta which started out with combining book discussions and our National love of meat, the Storymoja Hay Festival has developed into ‘The thinking Kenyans Festival’ The Storymoja Hay Festival is borne out of our passion for promoting the reading culture in Kenya, and our belief that we must nurture culture of creative thinking for Kenya to move forward.

 

How are the writers chosen?

We invite writers and thinkers we most admire. We try to bring the greatest contemporary practitioners and the most exciting new voices. The team talks to publishers, writers and a range of advisors – including many of the festival-goers. This year, we have worked hand in hand with Hay Festival UK, British Council, NORLA and the American Embassy, to bring an exciting line-up of guests.