The Literary and Cultural Heartbeat of 2024: Hay Festival Returns to Hay-on-Wye
Each spring, the world’s brightest minds and boldest voices gather in the picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye for the unmissable Hay Festival. In 2024, the Festival cemented its place as the highlight of the literary and cultural calendar, offering over 600 events from 23 May to 2 June. With everything from enlightening talks to mesmerising performances, this year’s programme delivered unforgettable experiences for visitors from near and far.
As someone who has attended Hay Festival for over two decades, each year feels more special than the last. With my family living just across the road from the Festival grounds, it’s incredible to see world-class speakers, authors, and performers come to our doorstep to celebrate the power of stories and ideas.
Highlights That Defined the Festival
True to tradition, the 2024 Hay Festival brought together an eclectic lineup of speakers, with events designed to spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and inspire creativity. Among the standouts:
Toby Jones shared riveting insights into his role in the gripping drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which exposed one of the UK’s most shocking modern scandals.
Miriam Margolyes entertained audiences with her irreverent wit and raucous stories, following the publication of her memoir Oh Miriam!
Gary Lineker took centre stage on “sports day,” delving into the Premier League’s latest developments and discussing the success of his podcast empire with historian David Olusoga.
Festivalgoers were treated to a vibrant exploration of literature’s power to shape our world. In one of the most poignant events, a panel of literary luminaries including Colm Tóibín and David Olusoga reflected on the legacy of James Baldwin, marking the centenary of his birth. Similarly, Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell captivated audiences with a discussion on his novel’s enduring impact twenty years on.
Timeless Icons and New Beginnings
The Festival also celebrated the legacies of artistic giants. Dame Judi Dench enchanted audiences as she reflected on her Shakespearean career in conversation with Brendan O’Hea, while a special memorial event honoured the life and work of the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah.
But Hay is as much about the future as it is about the past. This year saw the continuation of The Platform, which spotlights emerging creative talent, and Debut Discoveries, introducing promising new voices in fiction.
Beyond the Talks
Hay Festival 2024 was far from just a literary event—it was a full sensory experience. Standout musical performances included the cast of Hadestown and singer Paloma Faith, while comedy sets from Sara Pascoe and Nish Kumar brought plenty of laughter to the evenings. For a more serene experience, visitors embraced morning yoga and wild swimming sessions in the tranquil River Wye.
Families were well catered for, with interactive activities, creative workshops, and engaging sessions led by beloved children’s authors like Michael Morpurgo and Jeff Kinney. The Festival made sure that the next generation of storytellers and dreamers felt right at home.
The Magic of Hay-on-Wye
Nestled in the stunning surroundings of the Welsh border, Hay-on-Wye once again provided the perfect setting for this cultural feast. Between sessions, visitors explored the town’s famous bookshops, charming market stalls, and cosy cafes.
For those of us who have called this festival home for years, Hay Festival 2024 reminds us of the joy of connection—through books, ideas, and shared experiences. With every passing year, the Festival continues to evolve and improve, drawing larger and more diverse audiences to celebrate the written and spoken word.
