Hay Festival: A Celebration of Literature and Ideas in the UK
4/28/20252 min read
Explore the world-famous Hay Festival, a celebration of literature, culture, and ideas held in Wales. Learn why it's a must-visit for international students and literature lovers in the UK.
What Is the Hay Festival?
The Hay Festival is one of the most internationally renowned literary festivals, held annually in the small town of Hay-on-Wye, located on the edge of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. The festival brings together the world’s best writers, thinkers, journalists, and artists to share stories and ideas in a celebration of literature, creativity, and global dialogue.
Since its founding in 1987, the festival has grown from a small local event to a globally recognized platform for cultural exchange, hosting over 600 events and drawing more than 250,000 visitors each year.
When and Where Is It Held?
Location: Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom
Date: Usually held in late May to early June (the 2025 Hay Festival will take place from 22 May to 1 June 2025)
Website: https://www.hayfestival.com
Hay-on-Wye itself is often called “the town of books,” thanks to its 20+ bookshops, making it a magical destination for any book lover.
Why Should You Visit the Hay Festival?
Whether you're an international student, a writer, or simply someone who enjoys thought-provoking conversations, the Hay Festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s what makes it special:
1. Inspirational Talks by World-Class Speakers
The festival has hosted Nobel Prize winners, poets, scientists, politicians, activists, and novelists. Past speakers include Malala Yousafzai, Stephen Fry, Margaret Atwood, Yuval Noah Harari, and Hilary Mantel.
2. Engaging Student and Youth Events
Hay Festival values education and offers student and school programmes, including Hay Festival Scribblers, which is designed to inspire young readers and writers. For international students studying in the UK, this is an excellent opportunity to expand academic and cultural horizons.
3. Multicultural and Multilingual Programming
With global outreach in cities like Cartagena (Colombia), Querétaro (Mexico), and Abu Dhabi (UAE), the Hay Festival embraces diverse cultures and languages including Spanish, Arabic, and Welsh programming.
4. A Place to Network and Discover New Ideas
From climate change to artificial intelligence, gender rights to global history the Hay Festival provides a platform for discussing urgent global issues. It’s also a great place to meet like-minded individuals from academia, publishing, arts, and activism.
Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
If you’re a student in the UK, volunteering at the Hay Festival can be a fantastic way to gain experience in event management, publishing, hospitality, or social media. Many volunteers receive free passes to events and networking perks.
Find opportunities here:
🔗 https://www.hayfestival.com/volunteer
Why the Hay Festival Matters for International Students
Language and Culture: Immerse yourself in British and global literature.
Education and Inspiration: Attend sessions with award-winning authors and professors.
Soft Skills Development: Improve communication, critical thinking, and networking abilities.
A Break from City Life: Hay-on-Wye is surrounded by nature, perfect for a scenic and intellectual escape.
The Hay Festival is more than just a book event, it's a cultural movement. For international students and visitors in the UK, attending the Hay Festival is a unique opportunity to expand your mind, enjoy the English countryside, and be part of a global celebration of ideas.
Whether you go for a single day or the entire week, the experience is sure to be unforgettable.
