TEACHERS and pupils across the country will be able to tune in to Hay Festival's world-class Programme for Schools this May.

Twelve sessions will be streamed for free on Thursday and Friday, May 23 and 24.

The mix of storytelling, workshops and live performances will include top children's authors, comedians and TV presenters.

The two days are specially designed for schools, who can attend free. Last year 5,360 pupils participated on site, while 5,200 streamed live online.

Leading figures taking part this year include authors Michael Rosen, Kate DiCamillo, Cressida Cowell, Sarah Crossan and Caroline Lawrence; comedians David Baddiel and Harry Hill; Paralympian and TV presenter Ade Adepitan; cartoonist Gary Northfield; scientist Steve Mould; and historian and broadcaster Amy Lamé.

Teachers can view the streaming schedule, download teaching resources and sign up for the free live streams at hayfestival.org/livestream.

Hay Festival has also launched a new public engagement campaign: #BooksToInspire, aiming to create reading lists that inspire the next generation.

The full programme for the festival's 32nd edition in Wales (23 May - 2 June 2019) is out now, with appearances from over 600 speakers across 11 days.

Free to enter, the festival village is comprised of 10 tented venues.