The program, featuring writers, activists and thinkers who will "explore ideas for a more hopeful future", will be announced next month.

The festival, with the theme "Power Politics Passion", will this year be smaller, with a mix of live and virtual events due to continuing concerns about COVID-19.

"We feel able to offer the festival's signature events as live events," a statement from the organisers said.

"Naturally, the health and wellbeing of our community comes first, but by August we will be well practised to follow the rules as they stand for public gatherings, and we anticipate a readiness for people to attend live events."