Hay Festival 2025: A Celebration of Global Ideas and Local Stories
For over three decades, the Hay Festival has been a beacon of literary excellence and cultural dialogue. With its 38th edition, set to take place from 22 May to 1 June 2025, this year's programme promises to surpass expectations, bringing together more than 600 events across its eleven-day run in Hay-on-Wye, Wales. As someone who has been attending this festival for 22 years, I find it heartwarming to witness its evolution year after year. With my family living just across the road from the Festival grounds, it’s truly special to see such incredible talent flourish on my literal doorstep. Every year, it just gets better and better.
Credit: Cardiff University
World-Renowned Speakers and Performers This year’s lineup spans a galaxy of disciplines, featuring headliners such as human rights activist Yulia Navalnaya, literary genius Elif Shafak, and the ever-charismatic Michael Sheen. From Stephen Fry, presenting his new book Odyssey, to acclaimed artist Grayson Perry and Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah, the Festival promises to highlight the power of words to challenge, inspire, and connect.
Other must-see speakers include Mary Trump, Robert Harris, Jon Sopel, and Simon Armitage, among many more. For music enthusiasts, the evenings will feature extraordinary performances by Paloma Faith, Billy Ocean, and the visionary Brian Eno.
A Festival for Everyone The Hay Festival continues to champion accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring there’s something for all ages and interests. The free Schools Programme kicks things off from 22-23 May, igniting young imaginations with sessions led by renowned authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Cressida Cowell, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
For families, the Festival site offers creative hubs like the Make and Take Tent, a Family Garden, and workshops tailored to inspire budding young creatives. Meanwhile, teen readers can enjoy engaging talks from YA authors like Caroline O’Donoghue and Alex Wheatle.
Special Initiatives to Watch This year’s programme includes exciting new initiatives, such as:
The Platform, a spotlight on young, emerging creative talent
Hay Festival Green, showcasing innovative solutions to the climate crisis
The MUBI Cinema, bringing storytelling to the screen with curated screenings like Aftersun and The Worst Person in the World
Debut Discoveries, a focus on tomorrow's literary stars
Literary Highlights The Festival remains a haven for bibliophiles, with exclusive conversations featuring winners of prestigious awards like the International Booker Prize. Fiction lovers can look forward to exciting works by Madeleine Thien, Ben Okri, and Kit de Waal, while crime fiction fans can revel in sessions with writers like Nick Harkaway and Javier Cercas.
Local pride shines through in a special panel featuring Hanan Issa, Mike Parker, and Gwyneth Lewis, who’ll discuss Wales’ national narrative.
Exploring Global and Political Themes True to its roots, the Festival dives deep into pressing global issues. Yulia Navalnaya reflects on the legacy of her late husband, Alexei Navalny, in a moving conversation with Alastair Campbell, while Mona Chalabi delivers the inaugural John Caldon Lecture, exploring resistance through data journalism.
Panels on AI, the climate crisis, and intergenerational exchanges underline the Festival’s commitment to sparking dialogue and driving change.
Evenings of Entertainment When the sun sets, the Festival fields come alive with music, comedy, and innovative performances. Don’t miss the chance to hear Billy Ocean, enjoy a dynamic comedy club lineup, or witness Shakespeare like never before with Austentatious’ improv show.
A Global Stage with Local Heart What makes the Hay Festival truly remarkable is its ability to marry the local with the global. Collaborations with organizations like Arts Council England, the BBC, and Black British Book Festival amplify diverse voices, while live streaming ensures a worldwide audience can join in. And for those visiting the quaint book town of Hay-on-Wye, the Festival site itself offers a treasure trove of experiences, from bookshops and market stalls to intimate performances in St Mary’s Church.
Final Thoughts Every Hay Festival is a celebration of human ingenuity and creativity, and 2025 is shaping up to be no exception. Whether you’re drawn to the literary legends, thought-provoking panels, or the vibrant family activities, Hay Festival offers a little something for everyone. Personally, I can’t wait to immerse myself once again in this wonderful celebration, which has been a cherished part of my life for over two decades.
Tickets are on sale now for members, with general availability starting 14 March. For more details, visit hayfestival.org.