23 May, 2013 - 02 June, 2013
Hay-on-Wye, Wales

The world's biggest literature festival draws writers, critics, filmmakers, musicians, comedians, historians, scientists, environmentalists and politicians to an otherwise sleepy little town famed for its second-hand bookshops.

Famously described by visitor Bill Clinton as 'the Woodstock of the mind', this literature and arts festival, dating back to 1987, takes over the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye, picturesquely set in the Brecon Beacons National Park, for ten days in May and June.

As well as book-related events featuring internationally acclaimed authors such as John Updike and Margaret Atwood, it includes debates, art exhibitions, live music, film previews and a children's programme.

Hay, which has a population of just 1,500, evolved into the world's first 'book town' in the 1970s and now boasts around 40 second-hand and antiquarian bookshops attracting half a million visitors a year.

Hay celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012.

Key writers and performers appearing in 2013 include Julia Donaldson, Quentin Blake, BBC political Editor Nick Robinson and Noah and the Whale.

Full programme details are available on the website.

http://www.hayfestival.com/wales/

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