The lineup
Who's speaking at Hay Festival 2026?
The full announced lineup for Hay Festival 2026. Names without a full profile are open to claim.
Bear Grylls Adventurer
David Miliband CEO, IRC
David Olusoga Historian, University of Manchester- ETEmma Thompson Actress, Norwich University of the Arts
John Thornhill Innovation Editor at Financial Times | Tech Journalism & Startup Insights, Financial Times; Sifted
Malala Yousafzai Activist / author, Malala Fund
Marcus du Sautoy Mathematician / broadcaster, University of Oxford- MMMariana Mazzucato Economist
Nicola Sturgeon Politician, Government of Scotland- RMRobin Morgan Feminist Activist | Pioneering Women's Rights
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D800&w=3840&q=75)
Tim Berners-Lee World Wide Web Inventor | Pioneering the Digital Revolution, World Wide Web Consortium- ARAlice Roberts Anthropologist / broadcasterIs this you? Claim →
- ABAntony Beevor HistorianIs this you? Claim →
- CCCressida Cowell Children's authorIs this you? Claim →
- DFDawn French Comedian / actressIs this you? Claim →
- EFEmerald Fennell Writer / filmmakerIs this you? Claim →
- IMIan McEwan AuthorIs this you? Claim →
- JBJeremy Bowen JournalistIs this you? Claim →
- JCJung Chang AuthorIs this you? Claim →
- MOMaggie O'Farrell AuthorIs this you? Claim →
- MBMary Berry Food writerIs this you? Claim →
- MHMatt Haig AuthorIs this you? Claim →
- MMMichael McIntyre ComedianIs this you? Claim →
- MMMiriam Margolyes ActressIs this you? Claim →
- PLPrue Leith Chef / TV personalityIs this you? Claim →
- STSandi Toksvig Comedian / broadcasterIs this you? Claim →
- SPSara Pascoe ComedianIs this you? Claim →
- SASimon Armitage Poet LaureateIs this you? Claim →
We have 28 announced speakers for Hay Festival 2026. Missing someone, or is this your event?
Frequently asked
- Who's speaking at Hay Festival 2026?
- 28 announced speakers, including Bear Grylls, David Miliband, David Olusoga, Emma Thompson, and John Thornhill.
- What does Hay Festival 2026 cover?
- Topics include Innovation, Human Rights & Justice, Social Justice & Equity, Adventure & Exploration, Climate Action & Net Zero, and Digital Transformation.
What this lineup's speakers cover
The topics this edition's speakers are known for.
Industries represented
The sectors this edition's speakers come from.
Similar events
Other editions that drew the Hay Festival 2026 crowd