The Hay Festival has soared past the halfway mark of its £150,000 crowdfunding campaign, launched after this year's event was cancelled.

Last week, festival organisers said the event was in financial peril as it faced the prospect of refunding tickets for the axed event, despite having already shelled out significant sums on infrastructure costs.

An online fundraiser launched on 19th March had, by Monday morning, passed the £75,000 mark, including at least one individual contribution of £5,000.

Director Peter Florence told The Bookseller: “It’s been a rough week, made lighter by the sheer loveliness and generosity of our friends.

“I have never been more moved and encouraged by so many astonishing writers and readers and publishers and librarians and my amazing colleagues, nor gladder of their fellowship and solidarity.”

Other ways to support the organisation are available on the festival website. Donors will be recognised as official “Haymakers” and credited on a commemorative board displayed at every festival edition to follow. 

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