April 14, 2026 - 256 views
A writer from North Wales is set to take centre stage at one of the world’s most famous literary gatherings, as the Hay Festival unveils its Writers at Work cohort for 2026.
Among the ten selected rising talents is Ben Huxley, a Colwyn Bay-based writer and journalist whose growing reputation is putting the region firmly on the literary map.
The prestigious programme runs alongside the Hay Festival from May 21 to 31 in Hay-on-Wye—often dubbed the “town of books”—and forms part of a globally renowned event that attracts leading writers, thinkers, politicians and performers from across the world. Now in its 39th year, the festival features more than 600 events, blending literature with discussions on global issues, politics, science, history and the arts, alongside music, comedy and family activities.
For those selected for Writers at Work, it offers a unique, fully-funded 10-day immersion into the publishing world, with workshops, mentoring and direct access to agents, editors and established authors.
For North Wales, Huxley’s inclusion is a standout moment. A graduate of Bangor University, he has written extensively on video games and culture for major outlets including Radio Times, TechRadar and Live Science, while also contributing to the mental health charity Safe in our World. He previously took part in Literature Wales’ Representing Wales programme, has completed his first novel, and has had short fiction published in a Welsh anthology—marking him as one to watch.
He joins a diverse and talented group of writers from across Wales. Cardiff-based Sophie Calon, whose memoir Long Going became a breakout success, is among the cohort, alongside Steffan Wilson-Jones, a bilingual writer and theatre producer originally from the Vale of Clwyd.
Also selected are Holly Müller, an established novelist and musician living in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park; Naomi Pearce, whose work blends art, ecology and identity; and Silvia Rose, a writer from Eryri drawing on myth, travel and heritage.
The line-up continues with Emily Paradice-Ruan, a Swansea-based writer and illustrator exploring themes of belonging; Carys Shannon, a novelist whose work has already been broadcast on BBC Radio 4; Stacey Taylor, who has been mentored through Penguin Random House’s WriteNow scheme; and Rolant Tomos, a Dolgellau-born writer and filmmaker with published novels in Welsh.
Together, they represent a snapshot of modern Welsh writing—spanning genres, languages and backgrounds—brought together for an intensive period of creative development.
Organisers say the programme is about nurturing talent and creating opportunities that can lead to national and international success. Past participants have gone on to win major awards including the International Dylan Thomas Prize and Wales Book of the Year.
For Huxley, and for North Wales, the selection is a proud moment—highlighting the strength of creative talent emerging from the region and offering a platform to share those voices on a global stage.
As Hay Festival prepares to welcome audiences from around the world once again, it’s clear that writers from places like Colwyn Bay are not just part of the story—they are helping to shape its future.
