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

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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

£6,883,201

Latest Expenditure

£6,377,421

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 90.7%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Overall Efficiency 97.9%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Administrative Ratio 2.1%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £400,619

Charitable Activities £6,430,909

Other Trading £0

Investments £51,673

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £6,243,074

Raising Funds £134,347

Governance £0

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 2025.

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
2025	£6,883,201	£6,377,421	£6,243,074	£1,675,313	£867,971	31 / 280
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

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 2025?

Hay Festival Foundation LTD reported total income of £6.88m and reported expenditure of £6.38m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

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.