Guardian Hay Festival

The Press Office

How do I get a Press Pass?
All journalists must pre-register to qualify for press accreditation. Because of Fire Regulations, no general passes can be given except to the 10 nominated photographers who will not require seats. Complimentary Press tickets are provided first to those working to commission. Press allocation is limited to 10% of the total audience. Please contact Hannah for more information on a press pass.

Can I arrange interviews with writers attending the Festival prior to their arrival in Hay?
Where the interview relates to the writer or performer appearing at the Festival we will do everything we can to facilitate this.

And at the Festival?
Yes. Provided that the piece is commissioned. We will arrange the best access possible. There will also be daily news briefings for the press at breakfast in the Press Office.

Can I obtain recordings of events?
Many events will be available on the net at www.hayfestival.co.uk within 48 hours of their taking place. If you want a feed from a particular event, and the artist or writer agrees, we can arrange that with our tech crew. There is a nominal fee of £25 per event.

Can we film the Festival?
Sky Arts - The Arts Channel from Sky is the official television partner of the Festival. All other UK television companies have news access to the Festival, but may not broadcast more then 90 seconds of any scheduled event. Access to the site is of course available for discreet crews. Foreign television companies may purchase footage of the festival.

Please contact paul@hayfestival.com. Crews filming particular artists at the Festival as part of a wider feature may negotiate access provided they credit the Festival in the finished programme. Facility fees for single events range from £300-500.

Do we get to the parties?
Yes, but you have to be invited...

Are there any interesting articles already on the net that might help?
Yes, try:
Brenda Maddox in New York Times
John Walsh in The Independent on Norman Mailer
John Walsh in The Independent on Bill Clinton
Gideon Spanner in The Guardian
Stephen Moss in The Guardian
BBC.CO.UK on Paul McCartney
Tales of Hay-on-Wye: Gossip from the world's top lit fest

Our Press Officer is:
Hannah Lort-Phillips

Contact her on the following:
hannah@hayfestival.com
T - 0870 787 2848