Nicola Sturgeon to appear at 'world's largest' philosophy festival

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been named as one of the speakers at the “world’s largest philosophy and music festival” in Hay-On-Wye this year.

“The life and philosophy of Nicola Sturgeon” is set to debut at the How the Light Gets In festival alongside talks from former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice at the end of May.

The former Scottish leader will discuss her “core philosophy of life” and the experiences that led her to this outlook.

“From her belief in nuclear disarmament to her campaign for independence to her resignation in 2023, join Nicola Sturgeon to discover the life – and the ideas – behind a remarkable political career,” the programme description reads.

The festival advertises itself as a place for “big ideas and big names”.

“This year’s festival is bringing together the sharpest minds, boldest thinkers, and most inspiring performers for a weekend of unmissable debates, talks, music, and comedy,” the festival description says.

“In 2025, we’ll be bringing together our biggest line-up yet for a bank holiday of illuminating debate and discussion.”

It’s the latest in a series of high-profile public appearances from Sturgeon, and it comes after police cleared her name in their criminal investigation into the SNP’s finances in March.

Speaking at the time, Sturgeon said she had been “vindicated” and there was never a “scrap of evidence” against her.

Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, appeared in court charged with the embezzlement of party funds.

The appearance also comes ahead of the publication of her memoir, Frankly, on August 14. The book promises to offer an “open, honest and candid” account of the former first minister’s achievements and heartbreaks.

The appearance at the philosophy festival also follows Sturgeon’s decision not to seek re-election as an MSP at next year’s Holyrood election, ending a two-decade career as an SNP politician.

How the Light Gets Hay runs from April 23 to May 26. Festival tickets provide access to a wide range of events, including debates, talks, music, comedy, an academy, and late-night parties.