Explore our 2026 strands...

News Panels

Join us for analysis and insights on top stories, from the people in the know. Join our leading journalists and special guests as they take us behind the headlines.

Debut Discoveries

Emerging writers discuss their work with established authors. This is our selection of future award-winners.

Hay Festival Green

We convene experts in interactive events to propose bold solutions to the climate emergency. Find out more about Hay Festival Green.

South to North Conversations

Co-curated by our international teams, these conversations spotlight the shared issues – and solutions – facing the Global South. Presenting the most innovative Global South voices to share diverse ways of seeing the world.

Memorial Lectures

The George Alagiah Lecture, British Pugwash Lecture and Christopher Hitchens Lecture and the John Maddox Conversation tackle some of the biggest questions of our times, from truth and representation to the nuclear threat.

Heard at Hay Festival

A new series for 2026 – each event brings together three brilliant speakers, all with something completely different to say.


America 250

Two and a half centuries on from the Declaration of Independence, America 250 events look at the fiction, history and politics that have shaped American identity. 

Matters of Taste

Savour the flavours in Matters of Taste events, as cookbooks are brought to life, cocktails are shaken and top tips shared for kitchen inspiration.

Book to Screen

The Book to Screen series explores adaptive storytelling across multiple genres, with artists innovating in film, TV and on stage.

My Life in Books

Public figures reveal their personal libraries, sharing the books that have shaped and inspired them.

Barrel of Laughs

Our new Barrel of Laughs series sees comedians talk about their latest books. 

Genre Days

Delve into a world of your favourite interests with this year's genre days. With Crime on 26 May, Comics & Graphic Novels on 27 May, Art on 28 May, and Romantasy on 29 May, there’s something for everyone. Join us for a showcase of leading talent – whatever you fancy

Creative Industry Insights

Creative Industry Insights events offer real-life tips from inspiring creative industry producers and practitioners, for young people interested in working in the arts.