The Hay Festival Academy is a skills development programme that gives talented young people from across the UK, aged 18–25, the opportunity to join the Hay Festival team to develop their skills, knowledge, and potential career path in the creative industries, while volunteering in a professional working environment.
Young people who’ve attended a Hay Festival Academy have gone on to run festivals, write books and films, and to enjoy careers in publishing and in the wider creative and media industries
There are academy places available for student volunteers in the following disciplines:
- Events management
- Press office.
The Hay Festival Academy is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience in one of the world’s leading festivals. Meeting industry professionals, learning new skills, making new friends and contacts and gaining an understanding of possible career paths open to you, make it a festival not to be missed. All students are provided with a return travel ticket to the festival, accommodation and breakfast, lunch and dinner in the on-site crew catering facility.
Please indicate which role you are applying for or express a preference.
If you have any questions or queries please do get in touch via the emails below
EVENTS MANAGEMENT
Each year the Hay Festival attracts some of the world’s leading writers, artists and thinkers, to talk, share their thoughts and ideas and meet audiences. Ensuring guests are warmly received and well looked after during their stay has always been a crucial mission and one of the Festival’s key jobs.
All events management student volunteers need to be attentive and helpful. In return, they get the chance to meet some amazing, creative people, and experience the daily running of a fast-moving international festival, where time-keeping is important and, above all, performers and audience leave having had a thoroughly enjoyable, stimulating and thought-provoking day.
Events management student volunteers help out with a wide range of duties including meeting and greeting authors, assisting with book signings, hospitality in the green room, accompanying artists to events, stage management assistance and manning reception desks. If you have a particular interest in the Environmental, Music or Children’s Literature programmes please let us know in your covering letter.
DATES
The 2023 festival dates are 25 May - 4 June. Applicants will need to be available for the duration of the festival.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We are looking for 15 young people between the ages of 18 and 25, who can demonstrate a passion for the arts and interest in events management.
Please send a copy of your CV and a short letter detailing your experience to ellen@hayfestival.org
Deadline for applications is 17th March 2023, and we will let applicants know whether they've been successful as early as possible. If shortlisted, you'll need to be available for a short Zoom interview
PRESS OFFICE
Over the 11 days of the Festival we welcome journalists, press and broadcasters from around the world, all eager to share their stories, articles and photographs of the festival with a global audience. Press office volunteers are based in the Press office on the Festival site, and work with our Publicity Director to help meet the needs of the world’s press. You will help with tasks such as greeting and helping journalists, confirming press accreditation, collating daily press reports and facilitating interviews with authors and performers.
The Press office is a hub of activity and provides invaluable experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in press and publicity. You must be an excellent communicator, highly motivated and organised.
DATES
Press Office applicants will need to be available from 24 May to 4 June (the 2023 festival dates are 25 May-4 June). Applicants will need to be available for the duration of the festival.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We are looking for three graduate students, up to the age of 25, who are eager to gain experience in publicity and arts events. Please send a CV, a short covering letter and example of your work to christopher@hayfestival.org.
Deadline for applications is 17th March 2023, and we will let applicants know whether they've been successful as early as possible. If shortlisted, you'll need to be available for a short Zoom interview