Hay Festival Wales 2010, Woodstock of the Mind Opens May 27

If there is one drawback to writing as I've been doing for the past 5 plus years on 'Serge the Concierge', it is the lack of time to read books as a leisure activity.

I should say fiction in my case as I receive mostly food, wine and travel related books for review.

In many instances, when I mention a book and even more when I interview the author, I like to dive into the volume to get a good feel for it and it takes time.

Sponsored by The Guardian which gives us The lowdown on this annual literary festival, The Hay Festival Wales 2010 opens on Thursday, May 27 and runs until June 6.

The Guardian credits Bill Clinton for calling the event 'Woodstock of the Mind'.

It does not sound out of place when you see showcase event for the Bank Holiday...