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 Sarah Crossan, award-winning author, featured on the upcoming Hay Festival 2026 schools programme.
What does Hay Festival Global mean to you?
It was at Hay Festival, where I was working as a steward in a high-vis vest, that Ian McEwan kindly suggested that if I liked writing, I should return to the Festival as an author. These words gave me so much courage to write and see Hay Festival as my ultimate goal. More than a decade later, I did return and took to the stage as a published writer.
What’s your favourite Festival memory?
Meeting readers, particularly teenagers who are always passionate about their hobbies, is an absolute joy. Teens can also be shy, but they find ways to ask questions and get advice. I once met a girl who had read all my novels and wanted to know whether or not I was happy. Some of my novels are sad and she was worried about me! I found it so touching that she cared.
Have you ever changed your mind on something having been to a Hay Festival event?
I do remember having my mind changed, but I am afraid to detail the exact ways in which it was changed in case it makes me sound like I was loon before attending that particular event!
Who was the best speaker or performer you saw on a Hay Festival stage?
Hearing Bernie Sanders speak was pretty incredible. It was standing-room-only, though I'm not sure anyone was even meant to be standing … sorry!
What advice do you have for a first-timer at the Festival?
Go to events you're not sure you'll love. I often pop into things outside my natural comfort zone and come away delighted by my own bravery (!) as those are the events that often offer up new ideas and surprising experiences.
Sum up Hay Festival Global in five words or less…
A bloody good time!