Author Salman Rushdie Set for Hay Festival Return Following New York Stabbing
Sir Salman Rushdie, the esteemed British-Indian writer, is set to make a significant public appearance at Hay Festival this summer — his first in the UK since the traumatic stabbing that left him blind in one eye nearly two years ago. The announcement marks an emotional milestone for the celebrated author and signals a new chapter in his literary journey post-attack.
Sir Salman is scheduled to address the crowds at the iconic Welsh literature event in June, where he will delve into conversations about his recent works and reflect on the enduring impact of storytelling. Organisers have confirmed that Rushdie will be sharing the stage with a distinguished line-up, including cultural figures such as Sir Stephen Fry, musician Billy Ocean, and renowned artist Sir Grayson Perry. His agenda includes discussing his latest publication, ‘Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder’, a deeply personal exploration of his life following the violent incident in New York State.
The attack on Rushdie occurred in August 2022 while he was on stage at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. The assailant, later convicted of attempted murder, inflicted multiple stab wounds, resulting in the loss of vision in Rushdie’s right eye. The violent episode shocked the international literary community and sparked a renewed conversation about freedom of expression, personal safety, and the right to artistic voice.
In a statement ahead of his appearance, Sir Salman expressed both excitement and cautious optimism: “I’m delighted to be returning to Hay Festival after too long and greatly looking forward to talking with Erica Wagner,” he said, while joking, “Let’s hope the weather gods are kind.” The author’s resilience and humour in the face of such adversity have inspired many, emblematic of his longstanding role as a defender of creative freedom.
Hay Festival’s chief executive Julie Finch welcomed the upcoming visit with enthusiasm, noting, “We are honoured to welcome Salman Rushdie back in person to our Town of Books this spring. In a very special event, we’ll explore his latest work and the transformative power of stories. We know this moment will be especially meaningful for festival-goers—an opportunity to engage with one of the greatest living writers.”
Sir Salman’s literary legacy stretches over sixteen novels, spanning four decades, and includes his 1981 Booker Prize-winning masterpiece ‘Midnight’s Children’. Yet, his work has not been without controversy; his 1988 novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ led to theological outrage and placed him under a fatwa issued by then-Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This forced Rushdie into hiding for years, always shadowed by concerns for his own safety — concerns that have, tragically, never vanished completely.
Despite the challenges, Rushdie has continued to produce an array of celebrated fiction. His latest book ‘Knife’, released in April 2024, offers an unflinching account of surviving an attempt on his life, chronicling both the physical and psychological aftermath. Readers and critics alike have praised its honesty and courage.
Further demonstrating his enduring creative energy, Rushdie recently revealed plans for his next novel, ‘The Eleventh Hour’, expected to hit shelves in November. The work promises a richly woven tapestry of stories situated between the bustling neighbourhoods of Bombay and the contemplative corners of English academia.
The 2025 Hay Festival, running from 22 May to 1 June, will feature more than 600 eclectic events, attracting luminaries from publishing, politics, and the performing arts. The line-up boasts names such as singer Paloma Faith, composer Brian Eno, children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, ‘Succession’ creator Jesse Armstrong, thriller writer Robert Harris, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, making it a truly global celebration of culture.
Sir Salman Rushdie’s return to an in-person UK stage not only reflects his personal courage, but also reaffirms the Hay Festival’s position as a haven for open dialogue and creative discovery. With the world watching, his upcoming appearance promises to be both moving and momentous.