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 Jeffrey Boakye, award-winning author, broadcaster and educator, featured on the upcoming Hay Festival 2026 schools programme.
What does Hay Festival Global mean to you?
I think the word ‘festival’ is really important here. Because for me, Hay Festival feels exactly like that: a festive celebration, a place of excitement and exploration, with plenty to see and do. The best festivals bristle with a sense of possibility with things to entertain and invite curiosity. Like any good festival, it can feel like a whole world of its own, a community even, populated by people with a shared appreciation of words, culture, literature and the arts. And ice cream.
What’s your favourite Festival memory?
The schools programme is always a highlight. Getting on stage to an audience of kids in their hundreds is always thrilling and I have a habit of whipping them up into a frenzy before releasing them back into the festival site. (Insert cackle here.) I’ll never forget the sight and sound of a particularly lively bunch diving into some ‘90s nostalgia on a warm summer’s day, bringing one of my books to life through a gameshow style presentation I’d put together. Fun times.
On a more personal note, there was one time in the green room when my then seven year-old son plonked himself on a sofa right next to Richard E. Grant, who proceeded to spill some of his beverage as a result. Before I could swoop in to apologise they went on to have a lovely exchange after that. It was hilarious seeing my son interacting with a legend of the screen and stage like that. A special shoutout to Richard for the free babysitting.
Have you ever changed your mind on something having been to a Hay Festival event?
Interviewing the journalist and author Gary Younge back in 2023 was a huge insight into modern politics. I had my questions planned and thought I knew, roughly, how the conversation might go, but his perspectives really opened up my thinking to new ways of looking at the contemporary political landscape, especially concerning the realities (often hilarious) behind the myth of certain famous figures. You could feel the fascination of the whole audience, in real time.
Who was the best speaker or performer you saw on a Hay Festival stage?
Michael Rosen never fails to amaze me with his ability to hold an audience in wonder with anecdotes, poetry and play. He’s infectious, and can weave everyone in the room into the tapestry of his performance. Salute the legend!
What advice do you have for a first-timer at the Festival?
Allow yourself to be excited. It’s more fun that way, like stepping on to a fairground ride. Also, float around the site as much as you can. Explore the site. See something you didn’t plan to. The surprises that lay in wait are always going to offer up unique and unexpected rewards.
And oh yeah, when they corner you in the green room to do a video or short interview, don’t be shy! I’ve had some unexpectedly persistent video clips that came from spur of the moment responses, where my honesty really shone through.
Sum up Hay Festival Global in five words or less…
Hay? Hardly Any Yawns. See what I did there?