This week, two of the biggest science stories of the year broke - the first ever British astronaut and a 47-million-year-old fossil that tells us how humans and other primates are related to the rest of the animal kingdom.
We've decided to ignore those and instead Alok Jha and James Randerson have hopped on the train to Hay-on-Wye where they've been reading books, listening to lectures and soaking up the sunshine.
They're not alone. Joining them in Wales is the government's economic adviser on climate change Nicholas Stern, and one of the architects of New Labour Anthony Giddens, both of whom have lessons for Gordon Brown on the environment.
The energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband makes an unscheduled appearance to talk to documentary film-maker and green activist Franny Armstrong. She has some good things to say about Miliband's record, but on the airline industry they are a long way from agreeing. Armstrong challenges the minister on why the government wants to build a new runway at Heathrow.
Astronomer Royal Martin Rees is on hand to ponder the existence of extraterrestrials and express his hopes for space exploration, and biologist Steve Jones shares his Darwin reading list.
Finally, comedian Marcus Brigstocke talks to James and picks up this year's unofficial festival theme - he thinks we need a more inspirational climate change message.
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