Introduction to the Hay Festival
The Hay Festival, a 11-day event, came to an end on Sunday, with Hanan Issa, the national poet for Wales, praising the organizers for making the festival more inclusive. Hanan, who grew up in a council house, never thought that a career in literature was an option for her. However, after graduating from Cardiff University, she began to share her poetry publicly, and it has since become a way for her to connect with others.
Hanan’s Journey
Hanan felt pressure to get a "real job" after university, but she knew that a career in social services was not for her. It wasn’t until 2016, when Prime Minister David Cameron made comments about Muslim women not integrating into British society, that Hanan began to share her poetry publicly. She wrote a spoken word piece and posted it online, which became a catalyst for her to share her writing with others.
The Hay Festival’s Inclusive Efforts
The Hay Festival has made efforts to be more inclusive, with a diverse range of voices and speakers. Hanan praised the festival for being a "very white space" that is now more open to marginalized backgrounds. She also noted that there were more hijabis at the festival this year, which was a positive change. The festival’s efforts to bring in a younger audience and offer a platform for all voices were also commended by Jade Bradford, a writer and communication manager.
Jade Bradford’s Experience
Jade, who is a writer and communication manager, attended the Hay Festival for the first time this year. She had always dreamed of visiting the festival and was excited to be there as a writer. Jade noted that the publishing industry can sometimes feel like a closed door, but the Hay Festival’s efforts to bring in new voices and make the industry more accessible were impressive. She also enjoyed the festival’s collaboration with TikTok creators, which brought a younger audience to the event.
Rhys Thomas’s Story
Rhys Thomas, a journalist from Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, also attended the Hay Festival. He had a "full circle" moment when he watched the poet John Cooper Clarke perform on stage, after seeing him for the first time at a local festival when he was 16. Rhys described the literary world as "very elite" and said that it can feel alienating and inaccessible. However, the Hay Festival’s author program, which he was a part of, helped him to develop his writing skills and gain confidence.
The Importance of Inclusion
Hanan emphasized the importance of inclusion and making spaces more accessible to marginalized voices. She said that if a room is not inclusive, it is up to individuals to open the door and make it more welcoming. By doing so, they can create a space for others to follow. The Hay Festival’s efforts to be more inclusive and diverse are a step in the right direction, and it is clear that it has made a positive impact on the writers and attendees who participated in the event.
Conclusion
The Hay Festival’s commitment to inclusion and diversity is something to be commended. The stories of Hanan, Jade, and Rhys demonstrate the positive impact that the festival has had on their lives and writing careers. By creating a space for marginalized voices and making the literary world more accessible, the Hay Festival is helping to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. As Hanan said, "if you can, do it because you open this door and stand in this door means that other people can go to them."
