Nine prominent UK literary festivals, who cut ties with investment firm Baillie Gifford, have issued a joint statement to reiterate their indispensable role in society and to call for greater support amid funding challenges.
Read: Baillie Gifford ends festival sponsorships over investments backlash
“Book festivals improve our world,” the statement begins. “Collectively over the past year, our nine book festivals in the UK have issued 464,000 tickets, sold over £1.5 million worth of books, engaged 64,000 school pupils in free activities, offered 99,000 free or subsidised event tickets, and reached audiences in all 121 postcode areas.”
The festivals highlighted their role as civic spaces where writers and readers converge to experience inspiration, provocation, and entertainment with nuance and depth. They pointed out the importance of such spaces in fostering public discourse, promoting writers, developing new readers, breaking barriers, sparking positive change, and democratising culture.
“We improve public discourse. Festivals are unique spaces where multiple perspectives are brought to bear on complex issues. We advance empathy, expertise, and understanding,” the statement continued.
They added: “We support writers. We promote writers’ works, sell books, and encourage discoverability, blending new and emerging talent with established stars, expanding the reach of publishing.”
The festivals also noted their efforts in developing new readers through school programmes and outreach, which improve wellbeing and empathy. They say they pride themselves on embracing diversity and fostering multi-generational engagement that promotes social cohesion. By creating platforms for new ideas and partnerships, they help drive positive change and support local economies.
“We need your support,” the festivals stressed. “As charities and non-profit organisations, all our festivals operate mixed-funding models that rely on public funding, corporate sponsorship and individual giving. Without this, festivals cannot continue to thrive and engage new audiences.”
In response to a generous £100,000 donation from Bloomsbury Publishing, Julie Finch, CEO of Hay Festival Global, expressed profound gratitude. “We are very grateful to Bloomsbury Publishing for their generous donation, recognising the critical role festivals play in connecting writers with readers and opening access to culture,” she said.
Which festivals are affected: how and where to donate
The joint statement was signed by the following festivals. Please consider donating to their cause.
- Borders Book Festival, Registered Charity SC037347
- Cambridge Literary Festival, Registered Charity 1153944
- Cheltenham Festivals, Registered Charity 251765
- Edinburgh International Book Festival, Registered Charity SC010120
- Hay Festival Global, Registered Charity 1070073
- Henley Literary Festival, Registered Company 07540702
- Stratford Literary Festival, Registered Charity 1164662
- Wigtown Book Festival, Registered Charity SCO37984
- Wimbledon BookFest, Registered Charity 1120297
The collective call to action underscores the festivals’ vital contributions to society and the arts, urging supporters to help sustain these vital cultural events.
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