Hay Festival: what is the literary event and who is confirmed to be attending - including Benedict Cumberbatch

The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, better known as the Hay Festival, will be held for the in person for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic this year

The festival will return to Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales this summer after being forced solely online for two years because of Covid restrictions.

The annual event attracts big names beyond the literary scene, such as those in the film, TV and music industry.

Who will attend this year’s festival and when will it take place?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Hay Festival?

Hay Festival is one of the worlds’ leading art and literature festivals.

Every year, it brings readers and writers together to share stories and ideas in events held across 11 days.

It was founded in 1988, but Hay-on-Wye was already well known for its many bookshops before the festival was launched. The first bookshop opened there in 1962, and by the 1970s it had gained the nickname of ‘The Town of Books’.

The festival, which has events in person and online, now reaches a global audience of millions each year and continues to grow.

This is the 35th year that the festival will take place. It is managed by Hay Festival Foundation Ltd, a registered charity.

Who is attending the Hay Festival 2022?

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is among the famous faces who will appear at this year’s Hay Festival.

Other actors who will attend include Sheila Hancock, Damian Lewis and Stephen Fry.

Musicians who are lined-up to appear include Corinne Bailey Rae, Jarvis Cocker, PJ Harvey, Bryn Terfel and Catrin Finch, among others.

Comedians taking part include Bill Bailey, Nina Conti, Lenny Henry, Shazia Mirza, Reginald D Hunter and Milton Jones.

Authors and academics including Booker Prize winners Damon Galgut and Bernardine Evaristo will also attend.

The stars are set to take to the stage in aid of an appeal following the war in Ukraine.

When is the Hay Festival 2022, and what events will take place?

Hay Festival will begin on Thursday 26 May 2022, and will end on Sunday 5 June 2022.

There will be a series of conversations on women and power held during the festival to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

For the full programme of events, please visit the official Hay Festival website.

How can I get tickets to the Hay Festival 2022?

Tickets to the Hay Festival go on general sale at noon on Friday 8 April.

If you would like early access to tickets, you can become a friend of Hay Festival now to be able to book your tickets now.