Hay Festival 2026

Visionary inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee tells the remarkable story of how he created the World Wide Web and, in doing so, transformed humanity into the first digital species. In this deeply thought-provoking session, Berners-Lee reveals This Is For Everyone as part memoir, part manifesto. He reminds us that he gave the internet freely to the world, and now issues a rallying cry to reclaim the web’s original promise, to be open, collaborative and for everyone. A crucial conversation for those curious about how technology shapes humanity, and how we can shape it back again.

Buckle up for a riotous evening of boyish banter, rugby reminiscence and surprisingly personal stories of life beyond the pitch with James Haskell, Alex Payne and Mike Tindall. Haskell is a former rugby international; Tindall is widely considered to be one of the finest rugby players ever to put on an England shirt; and Payne is an experienced rugby broadcaster. In this energising mix of storytelling, friendship and mischief, the trio discuss everything from how they each started out in their careers to what’s wrong with the current game, via how to make a decent cup of tea. A great way to start the evening for anyone who enjoys authentic conversation with heart and humour.