Rupert Everett and Carol Vorderman among stars announced for Hay Festival

Stars like Rupert Everett, Carol Vorderman, Paterson Joseph, and Luke Evans have been revealed as part of the lineup for this year’s Hay Festival Winter Weekend taking place in the grounds of Hay Castle in Wales. The event is scheduled over four days, from November 28 to December 1.

Rupert Everett, known for his role in “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” will be discussing his first collection of stories, “The American No.” Paterson Joseph, who starred in “Wonka,” will be sharing insights about his debut novel, “The Secret Diaries Of Charles Ignatius Sancho,” while Welsh actor Luke Evans, famous for “Dracula Untold,” will delve into his upcoming memoir, “Boy From The Valleys.”

The Hay Festival Winter Weekend is anticipated to offer a diverse range of experiences, according to Julie Finch, the global chief executive of Hay Festival. The lineup also includes former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, classicist Natalie Haynes, comedians Russell Kane and Vic Reeves, The Supervet’s Noel Fitzpatrick, and historians Sarah Clegg and Jonathan Dimbleby.

Countdown’s Carol Vorderman will be discussing her recent publication, “Out Of Order: What’s Gone Wrong With Britain And One Woman’s Mission To Fix It,” examining what she perceives as the “blatant hypocrisy” of the former Tory Government. Additionally, comedian Shaparak Khorsandi will talk about her book, “Scatter Brain,” and Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens will present his memoir, “Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak And Dogs.”

In an exciting addition, an exhibition by Roald Dahl’s illustrator Sir Quentin Blake at Hay Castle is on the agenda. Tate director Maria Balshaw will also be engaged in a conversation about the future of the arts. The festival promises to be a gathering of new ideas, joy, and hope to wrap up the year and usher in the next.

Broadcaster and writer Danny Robins expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the mix of entertainment and thought-provoking discussions expected. Overall, the Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable and enriching experience for attendees.