Stephen Fry, Hugh Bonneville and Matt Lucas will be among the guest speakers at the Hay Festival Winter Weekend as organisers announce the programme for the event in November.

Hay Festival Winter Weekend brings writers and readers together for a wonderland of in-person events to conclude the year.

This year's event will be held in the grounds of Hay Castle in Hay-on-Wye, Powys and will run from November 23-26, 2023.

Over the four days, 70 acclaimed writers and performers take part in over 60 events, launching the best new fiction and non-fiction, offering creative solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time, and spreading festive joy in conversations, candle-lit storytelling, comedy, music, and workshops.

Hay Festival CEO Julie Finch said: “Ideas sparkle at Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2023 as we mark the season’s change with bold new visions for the future and a heady dose of entertainment and joy.

"With a new home in the centre of Hay-on-Wye in the grounds of Hay Castle, we have tripled the capacity of this year’s event, offering access to more Festivalgoers than ever, live and online. Join us!”

Hay Castle executive director Tom True said: “Hay Castle is a beacon of arts, literature, and learning at the heart of our special town. We’re proud to work with Hay Festival Foundation and to host an expanded programme of exciting events at this historic site.”

Hay Chamber of Commerce chair Josh Boyd Green said: “Hay Festival Winter Weekend is a wonderful event that brings people to Hay at a quiet time of year.

"It marks the start of the festive season in our booktown and is a real boon to our businesses.

"For me it is my favourite weekend of the year.”

Guest speakers at Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2023

There are some big names set to speak at this year's Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2023. 

County Times: Stephen Fry is set to be among the guest speakers at the Hay Festival Winter Weekend in November.Stephen Fry is set to be among the guest speakers at the Hay Festival Winter Weekend in November. (Image: PA)

Speakers at the upcoming Hay Festival event include: 

  • Stephen Fry (actor)
  • Matt Lucas (comedian)
  • Hugh Bonneville (actor)
  • Nigel Owens (former international rugby union referee)
  • Hamza Yassin (Wildlife cameraman and Strcitly Come Dancing winner)
  • Susie Dent (lexicographer)
  • Reginald D Hunter (comedian)
  • Kim Sherwood (writer)
  • Chris Bryant (politician)
  • Rachel Reeves (politician)
  • Louise Minchin (journalist)
  • Ava Glass (writer)
  • Laura Bates (Everyday Sexism founder)
  • Adam Rutherford (scientist)
  • Lee Craigue (cyclist)
  • Kate Humble (broadcaster)

For the full programme of guest speakers visit the Hay Festival website.

How to get tickets to Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2023

Tickets for the Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2023 go on sale on Friday (September 29) at midday. 

County Times: See what other events are coming soon in Powys.See what other events are coming soon in Powys. (Image: Newsquest)

You can book your spot for an event at Hay Festival through their website.

You can also book over the phone by calling 

Or if you want to do it in person, simply visit the Hay Festival Box Office - The Drill Hall, 25 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5AD - which is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.