Imagine the world

imagine the world



Our latest edition of Hay Festival Beirut took place 8–10 May 2013 – three days filled with events celebrating international writers, thinkers and artists, gathering some of the most exciting voices of contemporary culture in an extraordinary city.


Hay Festival is an occasion for friends to meet, an opportunity to give voice to one’s thoughts, debate and to delight in the constant flow of ideas and stories. Beirut has an extraordinary tradition in hospitality and exchange; it encloses a rich cultural scene as well as one of the most diverse populations of the Middle East.

'Wonderful event ... bravo – it was just perfect ... thank you so much for bringing this to our city and to our part of the world.' Kamal Mouzawak

'In true Beirut style, the festival was a melting pot where people could explore their ideas in safety. Nowhere is this more needed than in the Middle East today.' Rosie Boycott

'I loved every moment of the festival.' Hani Shukrallah

Hay Festival

Hay Festival Beirut promotes culture, education and social responsibility. Literature, visual arts, cinema, geopolitics, journalism – all go together with dialogue and celebration. In 2013 we are running an extensive outreach and educational programme that aims to bring the best of the festival to the different communities living in Beirut. Together with our partners Assabil, the French Institute of Lebanon, Goethe Institute and Armenian schools, we have programmed a number of events. More info...

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2013 highlights

  • Joe Sacco
  • Hanan Al Shaykh
  • Hanif Kuireshi
  • Helena Kennedy
  • Patrick Deville
  • Abbas Baydoun
  • Karl Ove Knausgård
  • Shereen El Feki
  • Mohammed Hanif
  • Hyam Yared
  • Mohammed Hasan Alwan

Media Coverage

Hay Festival Beirut 2012 Programme cover