International Writers' Blog

Dispatches from Hay Festival events from the world’s best writers and performers

Meet the Haymaker - Jack Edwards

Meet the Haymaker - Jack Edwards
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. Get to know internet sensation Jack Edwards, one of our Thinkers in Residence at Hay Festival 2023.

Meet the Haymaker - Ailsa Dunn

Meet the Haymaker - Ailsa Dunn
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. Get to know Ailsa Dunn, volunteer secretary of Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees.

Meet the Haymaker - Megan Davies

Meet the Haymaker - Megan Davies
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. Get to know Megan Davies, former news desk writer at Hay Festival.

Giggles galore – A comedy-lovers guide to Hay Festival 2023

Giggles galore – A comedy-lovers guide to Hay Festival 2023

From firm TV favourites to new talent and different perspectives, we promise plenty of laughs and irreverent humour throughout the Festival.

Sit back, relax – a music-lovers guide to Hay Festival 2023

Sit back, relax – a music-lovers guide to Hay Festival 2023

It’s not just words that change the world. Music is a defining feature of the Hay Festival experience. Whether you are looking for classical, folk, global music or feel good performances then we’ve got it covered... 

Creating a better world – a YA guide to Hay Festival 2023

Creating a better world – a YA guide to Hay Festival 2023

We believe that ideas can change the world. Hay Festival is a place for open books and open minds. Never is this more true than when we meet young adults who take part in different ways; through our formal learning programmes or a love of reading for pleasure. 

Half term is for making memories – a family guide to Hay Festival 2023

Half term is for making memories – a family guide to Hay Festival 2023

Families that visit Hay Festival 2023 will be able to soak up the positive energy and make some amazing memories. Enjoying the freedom and creative vibes across the festival site, whether you come for the day or stay for longer...

Meet the Haymaker – Lena Smith

Meet the Haymaker – Lena Smith
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. Get to know Lena Smith, project manager of Pen to Print.

Book of the Month Extract – The Library Suicides by Fflur Dafydd

Book of the Month Extract – The Library Suicides by Fflur Dafydd
The Library Suicides by Fflur Dafydd is our Book of the Month for February 2023. Read an extract from the opening of the book here...

Meet the Haymaker – Femi Fadugba

Meet the Haymaker – Femi Fadugba
Our new 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. First up, meet author and Scribblers Tour lead Femi Fadugba.

Book of the Month Extract - Regenesis by George Monbiot

Book of the Month Extract - Regenesis by George Monbiot
Regenesis by George Monbiot is our Book of the Month for July 2022. Read an extract from the first chapter here...

Book of the Month Extract - Paradais by Fernanda Melchor

Book of the Month Extract - Paradais by Fernanda Melchor
Paradais by Fernanda Melchor is our Book of the Month for April 2022. Read an extract from the opening of the book here...

Book of the Month Extract - The Instant by Amy Liptrot

Book of the Month Extract - The Instant by Amy Liptrot
The Instant by Amy Liptrot is our Book of the Month for March 2022. Read an extract from the opening of the book here...

Book of the Month 10 Questions - Tessa Hadley

Book of the Month 10 Questions - Tessa Hadley
Free Love by Tessa Hadley is our Book of the Month for January 2022. Here the novelist answers our ten burning questions...

Beacons Project 2021 - Beacons Poem by Reagan McVeigh

Beacons Project 2021 -  Beacons Poem by Reagan McVeigh
Beacons Poem by Beacons Project member Reagan McVeigh...

BEACONS PROJECT 2021 - Soldier-Boy by Tesni Jenkins

BEACONS PROJECT 2021 - Soldier-Boy by Tesni Jenkins
An extract from Soldier-boy by Beacons Project member Tesni Jenkins...

Beacons Project 2021 - Hay-on-Wye by Lleucu Haf

Beacons Project 2021 - Hay-on-Wye by Lleucu Haf
Hay-on-Wye by Beacons Project member Lleucu Haf...

Beacons Project 2021 - The Outsider by Cerys Baker

Beacons Project 2021 - The Outsider by Cerys Baker
The Outsider by Beacons Project member Cerys Baker...

Beacons Project 2021 - Phyllis and Co. by Freya Duncan

Beacons Project 2021 - Phyllis and Co. by Freya Duncan
Phyllis and Co. by Beacons Project member Freya Duncan...

Beacons Project 2021 - Farewell Poem by Elin Williams

Beacons Project 2021 - Farewell Poem by Elin Williams
A poem to celebrate her week in Hay by Beacons Project member Elin Williams...