Programme for Schools

Programme for Schools 2026 will take place on Thursday 21 May 2026 (Primary) and Friday 22 May 2026 (Secondary).

“Visits to the Programme for Schools are a superb way of developing cultural capital. There is no better way of developing a love of reading than by visiting the Hay Festival.” – Andrew Farrell, Assistant Headteacher Harborne Academy

Every spring Programme for Schools invites KS2 and KS3/4 pupils from state schools across the UK to a series of FREE and inspiring events that take place on the opening two days of Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye.

All events are livestreamed on the day, with supporting teaching materials. There is a catalogue of free-to-watch Hay Festival Anytime authors from Hay Festival Programme for Schools filmed over the last five years, with 130+ fun-filled and inspiring events to choose from including Ade Adepitan, David Baddiel, Jacqueline Wilson, Onjali Q. Raúf, Julian Clary and Cressida Cowell.

If you have any questions or would like to be added to our education mailing lists please email schools@hayfestival.com.