The Hay Festival returns to Hay-on-Wye from 21 May with an 11-day programme featuring more than 500 events. Organisers promise a flagship edition blending literary excellence with contemporary debate.
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and French activist Gisèle Pelicot are among the top headliners. Pelicot, known for her anti-sexual violence advocacy, is expected to draw large crowds. Other speakers include Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who will deliver a keynote on reclaiming the web in the age of AI.
Entertainment highlights include Emma Thompson in conversation with Elizabeth Day, and Dawn French with Richard Coles. Literary giants Maggie O’Farrell, Ian McEwan, Douglas Stuart and Matt Haig will discuss their latest works. Political figures Nicola Sturgeon, Penny Mordaunt and David Miliband will take part in cross-party debates.
BBC Radio 4 will record live episodes of The News Quiz and Loose Ends. Comedians Michael McIntyre and Sara Pascoe will provide late-night entertainment. Manic Street Preachers members James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire will discuss their history with live music.
