Make some friends

Membership lasts for 12 months and costs £25 for single or £40 for double membership and supports the running of the Festival office and our education outreach projects.

The Friends of Hay Festival was formed in 1988 to support and raise money for the Festival. Members continue to make a vital contribution to our success and fund the annual Friends Lecture.

1. Priority booking – tickets for every event are reserved for sale to Friends only.
2. Friends entrance to all the main festival venues to avoid the queues.
3. Friends Café on the festival site.
4. Regular newsletters.
5. Dedicated Friends area within the website to preview the programme ahead of publication.

Other ways to support the festival

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  Volunteers

  We always welcome Friends and Patrons who would like to help with stewarding, to provide accommodation and to take part in other activities connected with the Festival.

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  Patrons

  Further invaluable support for the Hay Festival comes from our Patrons by way of an annual subscription of £250. Patrons enjoy all the benefits of Friends membership and also receive complimentary tickets to Hay Festival Segovia, the Hay Winter Weekend and one-off London events. Patrons also receive a free parking pass for the Hay Festival in May.

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  Legacy

  You can make a positive contribution to the Festival by leaving a legacy to the Festivals of Literature Charitable Trust. The Trust works to deliver a programme of education projects for students and young people.

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  Young Friends

  For just £10 you can enjoy priority booking for Hay Fever events for children and teens, and you will also receive regular newsletters. To join the club you must be under 18 years of age.

  To join the Young Friends, call us on 01497 822 629.