Dua Lipa and Stormzy have been announced as celebrity guests at Hay Festival 2023.

The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts is an annual literature festival held in Wales. Described by Bill Clinton as “The Woodstock of the mind,” the festival allows its guests to “engage with the world’s great writers, poets, philosophers, scientists, comedians and musicians.”

Held in Haye-on-Wye, Powys, Wales, the festival is set to run from 25th May to 4th June this year.

Dua Lipa will be hosting a live recording of her podcast “At Your Service” at the festival, with this being one of the 30 early bird exclusive events this year.

In a press release announcing her attendance, Lipa said, “I have wanted to explore the bookshops of Hay and experience the literary atmosphere of the Hay Festival for such a long time. So I’m thrilled that I will be there next 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!”

Lipa’s podcast has just wrapped its second season and has received critical acclaim since its inception in 2022. Lipa assumes the role of interviewer in the podcast, attracting some of the biggest names of the moment including Elton John, Greta Gerwig and Mo Farah.

Stormzy, meanwhile, will be attending the festival as the figurehead for his publishing imprint #Merky Books. Founded in 2018, this imprint of Penguin Random House UK was developed to help give a platform to young writers.

Before deleting his social media accounts, Stormzy took to Instagram to say, “I know too many talented writers that don’t always have an outlet or a means to get their work seen and hopefully #Merky Books can now be a reference point for them to say ‘I can be an author’ and for that to be a realistic and achievable goal.”

Speaking on his upcoming appearance at Hay Festival, Stormzy said, “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.”

He continued, “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 Lipa and Stormzy’s appearances are but a few of the exciting and innovative events taking place throughout the festival. The full programme can be found here.

Tickets are available to purchase here.

Stream Dua Lipa’s podcast “At Your Service” here.