Hay Literary Festival Drops Sponsorship Over Links to Israel and Fossil Fuel Companies
In a bold move, the UK’s Hay literary festival has cut ties with its main sponsor, investment firm Baillie Gifford, following a boycott led by speakers and performers.
The festival faced backlash as individuals withdrew from scheduled appearances in protest of Baillie Gifford’s sponsorship, which critics say is tied to Israel and fossil fuel companies, as reported by The Guardian.
Singer Charlotte Church and comedian Nish Kumar were among the first to pull out of the event, citing solidarity with Palestine and opposition to the perceived “artwashing and greenwashing” associated with the sponsorship.
Fossil Free Books, the group leading the charge against Baillie Gifford’s involvement, has called for the firm to divest from companies profiting from Israeli apartheid, occupation, and genocide.
Over 700 writers and publishing professionals have joined the campaign, demanding a sponsorship policy free from ties to human rights abuses.
Hay CEO Julie Finch acknowledged the pressure from campaigners and artists, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to preserving open dialogue and diverse perspectives on its stages.
Baillie Gifford expressed regret over the sponsorship’s termination, which began in 2016, stating, “It is regrettable our sponsorship with the festival cannot continue.”