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Hay Festival’s CEO Julie Finch has defended the decision to book rapper Stormzy for the literary event.
The cultural event attracts around 300,000 people to Hay-on-Wye, Powys to celebrate literature each year.
Julie Finch said the 2023 edition of the festival, which pop star Dua Lipa will also attend, will be an ‘international symbol of hope for a better future’.
She told The Telegraph: ‘We’re hoping names such as Stormzy and Dua Lipa make people look again at Hay, and that’s definitely the reaction we want.
‘He definitely saw the opportunity as an important one. So obviously we’re thrilled, because he’s someone unexpected,’ she added.
‘We need to ensure that more diverse voices are brought in’: Hay Festival’s CEO Julie Finch has defended the decision to book rapper Stormzy for the literary event
The organiser, who comes from an arts and museums background, continued: ‘It’s about everyone who comes to Hay feeling like it’s a place for them. Our responsibility is to have the widest demographic possible and we’ve just got to work harder at that.
‘It’s about the perception of what a literature festival is, and we have to break down those barriers so people begin to see what we do as something different.
She continued: ‘We are part of a system of festivals which has grown over the years, with similarities and a competitive edge, so why would I be surprised about who is attending at this point? We need to change the system and ensure that more diverse voices are brought in.’
Stormzy, who launched his #Merky Books publishing imprint in 2018, said about his appearance: ‘It all started with books for me. As a kid in school, I fell in love with literature and it sparked a life-long journey with words and writing, which led into my career as a songwriter and a musician.
‘I’m really excited to pass on this passion at Hay Festival, celebrate our incredible #Merky Books writers, and inspire the next generation of storytellers. Can’t wait to see you guys there!’
Dua will also attend and is set to host a live recording of her At Your Service podcast at Hay Festival 2023.
‘I have wanted to explore the bookshops of Hay and experience the literary atmosphere of the Hay Festival for such a long time,’ the singer explained in a previous statement.
‘So I’m thrilled that I will be there [this] year to share stories on stage and off with some of my favourite authors, and to soak up the inspiration alongside my fellow book lovers. I can’t wait to see you there!’
Other music acts on the programme include The Proclaimers and The Levellers.
They join the likes of actors Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E. Grant, and comedians Tom Allen and Dara Ó Briain on the bill.
A registered charity, Hay Festival is one of the world’s best known cultural events, bringing readers and writers together around the world with programmes to inspire, examine and entertain.
Stormzy said: ‘As a kid in school, I fell in love with literature and it sparked a life-long journey with words and writing, which led into my career as a songwriter and a musician’
Line-up: Julie Finch said the 2023 edition of the festival, which pop star Dua Lipa (pictured) will also attend, will be an ‘international symbol of hope for a better future’
Event: The cultural event attracts around 300,000 people to Hay-on-Wye, Powys to celebrate literature each year
Coming soon: The famed literary event’s 36th spring edition is due to take place in Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales between May 25 and June 4
The famed literary event’s 36th spring edition is due to take place in Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales between May 25 and June 4.
It’ll boast over 500 in-person sessions over that 11-day period.
The Hay general sale will go live at 12pm on Friday March 17 and tickets for the event can be purchased here.
The event will also be streamed online for those who can’t attend in person.
There are also international Hay literary festivals in places such as Colombia and Peru.
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