THE Hay Childrens Festival is almost here, and it's going to be a bonanza of fun with masses of activities for everyone from budding film-makers to the biggest bookworms.

Highlight of the programme of workshops is the Film-Makers Project uniquely designed for the Hay Childrens Festival by the award-winning animated film-makers, D Fie Foe. Join them for the day to create a magical movie with an original soundtrack and end sequence.

And Gary Hibble will overwhelm you with The Childrens Festival's Millennium Faces Website to be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Every child's favourite authors and illustrators will be there with an enormous line-up of award winners including Jacqueline Wilson, David Almond, Tim Bowler, Shirley Hughes, Julia Donaldson, Diana Wynne Jones, Rosie Rushton and the 'voice' of Just William, renowned actor, Martin Jarvis.

Fabulous shows for the under fives have been designed to run throughout the festival featuring all-time favourites including Mr Men, Cat in the Hat, Percy the Park Keeper, The Rugrats, The Queen's Knickers and Buzz, Buzz, Bumble Jelly. The festival ends with Storybox Theatre Company presenting its latest production The Little Mermaid.

For the first time the festival will run for four days from May 27-30. You can get a festival brochure by either sending a stamped addressed envelope to HCFA, 1 St John's Place, Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford. HR3 5BN, calling on 01497 820221, or e-mail caroline.wylie@virgin.net You can also check out the festival website at www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/cfestival.