Our monthly 'Meet the Haymaker' series shares stories of the change-makers at the heart of Hay Festival and the impact it has had on their lives. This month, get to know Hay Festival Trustee Victoria Bejarano.
What does the Hay Festival Global Mean to you?
It is far more than a festival to me, it’s a community, a celebration of stories in all their forms, and a venue where the most amazing conversations unfold. It’s a place that sparks reflection, a joyful meeting of ideas, curiosity, writers, readers and dreamers, all coming together to create an unforgettable atmosphere. For the past 20 years, Hay Festival has been one of the brightest moments on my calendar, with the certainty that I always come away enriched and inspired.
What is your favorite Festival memory?
There are so many memories from Hay Festival, but one moment stands out vividly.
At the end of a conversation with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, after her brilliant talk, a group of six young girls approached her to express their admiration and to ask her to sign a single copy of her book. I stayed a little longer, and in talking with them, learned that they came from the very poor part of Cartagena. They have loved Hay Festival Joven events for young people, and that they had pooled their money to buy this one book, taking turns reading it, and preparing for the chance to meet their heroine. Their joy at finally meeting her was extraordinary... I was deeply moved.
Have you ever changed your mind on something having been to a Hay Festival event?
I would say this is still a work in progress in my mind, and certainly want to learn more. About 10 years ago, at one of the Hay Festival events related to climate change, a panelist briefly mentioned some characteristics of nuclear energy, its advantages as a low cost, durable source of power, relatively straightforward installation, and the potential, if managed carefully, to meet the energy needs of millions faster than any other source. That conversation has stayed with me ever since, particularly as I wonder whether nuclear energy could be part of a solution to today’s political crises, where energy has become a tool for blackmail. Of course, experiences like Chernobyl demand that the issue be analysed thoroughly, and that its feasibility be explored in depth... But the thought was opened up to me...
Who was the best speaker or performer you saw on a Hay Festival Stage?
After so many years attending Hay Festival, it’s easier to ask which events I didn’t love (I can probably count them on one hand). Every year has been a feast of brilliant ideas, and unforgettable conversations. Just a few of the incredible voices I’ve had the joy to hear: Mario Vargas Llosa, Yuval Noah Harari, Philippe Sands, Juan Gabriel Vasquez, Victoria Amelina, Svetlana Alexievich... Each one and many others left a mark that still lingers.
What advice do you have for a first timer at the Festival?
Caution! Hay Festival is highly addictive: fun, inspiring, and utterly captivating!
Sum up the festival in 5 words or less
Stories, dialogue, inspiration, culture, joy.