The Hay Festival in Powys has received half a million pounds of levelling up money in the Chancellor’s autumn statement.

The announcement on Wednesday (November 22) confirmed that the Hay Festival, one of the largest literary festivals in the world, will see new funding from the UK government to help with its long-term sustainability.

"Our successful selection in the latest round of Levelling Up funding is very welcome news,” said Julie Finch, CEO, Hay Festival Foundation Ltd.

“As we continue to build a forward-looking charity with audiences at its heart, this funding is a crucial step on our journey to long-term sustainability.

“As well as acknowledging our significant economic impact, this support also reflects the cultural importance of the work we are doing in communities across Wales, UK, and internationally, and its positive influence on people’s lives.

“We are so grateful for the support of all our funding partners in making this possible and look forward to seeing many of you at a full capacity Hay Festival Winter Weekend later this week."

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The news of the announcement by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was also welcomed by MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, Fay Jones who said the world renowned was “a major event in the annual life cycle of Brecon and Radnorshire”.

“Really fantastic news that the Chancellor has announced half a million pounds in funding for Hay Festival, specifically mentioning it in his Autumn Statement,” said Ms Jones.

“The Hay Festival holds a special place in my heart as a bastion of literature and I know is extremely important to the local community.

“But it is important to also point out that so many other businesses rely on this bastion of literature and this funding will help secure further local jobs and growth into the future.”