Among those already booked to appear at this year's festival are Alan Bennett, John Irving and former US President Jimmy Carter.
Mr Carter, president between 1977 and 1980, will discuss the Middle East at the 21st literary event.
Meanwhile, Cherie Booth, the wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, will speak about women's equality.
Other guests include chef Jamie Oliver, M&S boss Stuart Rose and former head of the Army General Sir Mike Jackson.
The he festival have grown in size and stature since an invitation was extended to "a few like-minded friends" to gather for a weekend of literary relaxation in 1988.
Since then it has attracted some of the world's leading writers, politicians and musicians. In 2001, ex-US President Bill Clinton famously called it "the Woodstock of the mind".
The full line-up for this year's event includes a range of musical events and a film festival which will run alongside the literary event.
As well as ex-President Carter's talk, other politicians will include a trio from the Labour Party - former deputy PM John Prescott, Lord Hattersley and Lord Levy.
This will be the first festival appearance by Alan Bennett, the Leeds-born playwright, author, screenwriter and actor whose works include The History Boys, which won six Tony awards on Broadway; The Madness of King George for which he was nominated for an Oscar; and a Question of Attribution for which he won a BAFTA award.
Alan Bennett will appear at the festival on Friday 30 May.
John Irving, author of The World According to Garp, The Cider House Rules and Setting Free The Bears will talk to Peter Florence about his work on Saturday 31 May.
Meanwhile, Ffion Hague, wife of Conservative shadow foreign secretary William Hague, will discuss ex-Liberal Prime Minister David Lloyd George and the women in his life.
Others in this year's programme include author Will Self, playwright, director and scriptwriter Stephen Poliakoff, Salman Rushdie and author and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg.
US author and journalist Carl Bernstein, who along with Bob Woodward helped break the Watergate scandal story and ended the Nixon US administration in 1974 will also feature.
From the world of comedy, Jimmy Carr, Marcus Brigstock, Omid Djalili and Rory McGrath are visiting Hay.
Other famous faces include singer Jools Holland, Charlie Higson and chess champion Garry Kasparov.
The Welsh festival, which runs from 22 May until 1 June, now has satellite events in Segovia in Spain and Cartagena in Colombia.
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Mary Barker, Wembley
Have been twice. Last year in glorious sunshine, this year in rain and Glastonbury style mud but enjoyed both visits greatly. So easy to strike up conversation about events with complete strangers!
Thu Jun 19 09:39:11 2008
Peter Tomey, Detroit MI.
I'd also like to add ian woosnam. thanks, thanks, and many thanks.
Wed Jun 11 20:57:45 2008
Amanda Roderick, Bridgend
Been every year for the past 5 years. Just gets better. Amazing range of authors. So informal and friendly.On Sunday, at the Rory McGrath event, the gentleman in the front row (with lots of larger men) turned to my husband in the row behind, shook his hand and said "Hello. I'm Jimmy Carter." Where else would that have happened?!
Fri May 30 09:08:25 2008
Mel Prescott, Gloucester
Go most years. Saw Margaret Attwood a few years ago. REALLY excited about seeing John Irving this year, I can't wait!Well done Hay, this festival rocks!!
Wed May 28 12:23:10 2008
Russ Clutton Cardiff
Line up looks excellent. What date will Barry Cryer be attending
Mon Apr 28 09:21:25 2008
Are you a regular festival goer? What do you think of this year's line-up?
