Acclaimed Authors and Activists Take Center Stage at Hay Festival 2026

Hay Festival, the renowned UK literary event, has unveiled its full program for 2026, featuring a star-studded lineup of acclaimed authors, activists, and public figures. Among the headline names set to grace the stage are award-winning actress Emma Thompson, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, human rights advocate Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and renowned French author Gisèle Pelicot.

The 11-day festival, running from May 21 to May 31 in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, will host over 500 events, offering a diverse array of panels, discussions, and performances. Festival-goers can look forward to insightful conversations, thought-provoking debates, and captivating readings from some of the most influential voices in literature, politics, and social justice.

Thompson, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in films like Sense and Sensibility and Love Actually, will be sharing the stage with Ian McEwan, the acclaimed novelist behind works such as Atonement and Saturday. Together, they will explore the intersection of art, activism, and social change, delving into the power of storytelling to shape public discourse.

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Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, will be delivering a keynote address on the importance of educational access and empowering women and girls worldwide. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned in Iran for nearly five years, will share her harrowing experience and discuss the ongoing fight for human rights and press freedom.

Pelicot, the French author renowned for her literary explorations of identity, migration, and the human condition, will be engaging in a series of panels and workshops, offering unique insights into the creative process and the role of literature in a rapidly changing world.

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The Hay Festival's programming also includes a diverse range of other prominent figures, such as celebrated novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, renowned historian Mary Beard, and pioneering computer scientist Fei-Fei Li. Each will contribute their unique perspectives and expertise to the festival's rich tapestry of events.

With its impressive lineup and wide-ranging thematic focus, Hay Festival 2026 promises to be a truly memorable celebration of literature, ideas, and social impact. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions, inspiring performances, and opportunities to connect with some of the most influential thinkers and creators of our time.