Hay Festival which was due to take place from May 21st to May 31st has been cancelled.
We are heartbroken that our annual gathering of friends cannot take place this spring, as it has for over 30 years. It is devastating for all our artists and crew and partners, and all the people who welcome our guests to Hay. The Hay audience is the loveliest and most supportive crowd ever. We're overwhelmed with the expressions of encouragement and solidarity. THANK YOU. We are going to miss you horribly.
As a not-for profit organisation our resilience has always been built on you, our audience. 70% of our income comes from ticket and book sales. Now we have to raise urgent funds that can support us in these challenging months ahead to provide a digital servce to all our friends and customers and to secure Hay 2021 when we can meet again and tell stories and imagine the world..
If you can support us directly please donate through our GoFundMe page or share it online.
Whatever you can spare will make a big difference when everyone comes together. All our donors in this hour of need will be recognised as official Haymakers and credited online and on a commemorative wall. And you'll be treasured.
If you still have questions not answered here, please call Penny and our box office team on 01497822629, who will be happy to chat with you. Please bear in mind that it's a busy time, so if your call goes through to answerphone, do leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible.
We are deeply grateful for all your support over the years. Take care. Looking forward to being together again soon.'
The Hay Festival team
Hay Festival 2021 will run 27 May to 6 June.