The Hay Festival is an annual literary festival held in Hay-on-Wye, a small town in Wales known for its many bookstores. Founded in 1988, the festival attracts authors, poets, and thinkers from around the world to share their work and ideas. It features a variety of events, including talks, readings, and workshops, making it a vibrant hub for literature and culture. Over the years, the Hay Festival has hosted numerous famous figures, such as Stephen Fry and Malala Yousafzai. The festival not only promotes literature but also encourages discussions on important social and political issues, fostering a sense of community among attendees.