Hay Festival Foundation LTD

Also known as: Festivals of Literature Charitable Trust Limited, Hay Festival Foundation, The London Festival of Literature Charitable Trust Limited

To further the education and learning of both the Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the other countries around the world in the art or science of literature and poetry, in particular by promoting public festivals. shows, readings and fairs in both the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and such other countries as the Board of Trustees may decide from time to time

Email Charity

Activities & Mission

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Region

England And Wales

Financial Information

Latest Income

£6,365,737

Latest Expenditure

£5,969,965

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 93.7%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 56% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 780). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 99.9%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 78% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 1.1%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 75% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £389,673

Charitable Activities £5,939,283

Other Trading £0

Investments £36,781

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £5,963,211

Raising Funds £6,754

Governance £56,666

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2024	£6,365,737	£5,969,965	£5,963,211	£1,169,533	£446,775	31 / 280
2023	£5,389,786	£5,091,450	£5,091,450	£773,761	£403,810	27 / 209
2022	£4,687,630	£4,630,863	£4,630,863	£475,425	£462,135	21 / 231
2021	£166,884	£45,853				0 / 0
2020	£427,485	£185,409				0 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Hay Festival Foundation LTD

What does Hay Festival Foundation LTD do?

How much income did Hay Festival Foundation LTD report in 2024?

Hay Festival Foundation LTD reported total income of £6.37m and reported expenditure of £5.97m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is Hay Festival Foundation LTD?

Hay Festival Foundation LTD has a program ratio of 93.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 56% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 780 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was Hay Festival Foundation LTD registered as a charity?

Hay Festival Foundation LTD was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 16 June 1998 as charity number 1070073. It has been registered for 28 years.

Who runs Hay Festival Foundation LTD?

Hay Festival Foundation LTD is governed by a board of 12 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Hay Festival Foundation LTD operate?

Hay Festival Foundation LTD operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is Hay Festival Foundation LTD a registered charity?

Yes — Hay Festival Foundation LTD is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1070073.