Libby Purves meets Sir Roy Strong; comic Marcus Brigstocke; horsewoman Venetia Williams and singer Polly Bolton at the Hay-on-Wye Festival.

Venetia Williams is a horse trainer who specialises in National Hunt Racing. A keen and successful amateur jockey in her youth, Venetia achieved ten jump-racing wins between 1986 and 1988 during which time she also rode in the Grand National. In 1988 Venetia's race-riding career ended following a near-fatal fall in which she sustained a broken neck. Unable to ride, she progressed into the art of training. In 2009 she trained 100/1 shot Mon Mome to win the Grand National.

Sir Roy Strong is an historian, lecturer, columnist and writer. He was director of the National Portrait Gallery from 1967 to 1973 and of the Victoria and Albert Museum from 1974 to 1987. His new book Remaking A Garden - The Laskett Transformed is the story of how he remodelled his renowned garden as a tribute to his late wife. Remaking A Garden - The Laskett Transformed by Sir Roy Strong with photographs by Clive Boursnell is published by Frances Lincoln.

Marcus Brigstocke is a comedian, actor and writer. Winner of the BBC's New Comedy Award in 1996, his new show Je M'accuse explores elements of his life. The show highlights his stints as a podium dancer and oil rig worker to his childhood eating disorder and love of musical theatre.

Polly Bolton is a folk singer and song teacher. She began singing professionally in 1970 in an acoustic folk-rock band, Dando Shaft. She has recorded with singer Alan Stival and Show Of Hands. She runs singing workshops and leads community choirs and likes to experiment acoustically by singing outside - in gorges, on hillsides and by streams. Show less