Hay Festival

21st May 2026 – 31st May 2026

Did you know the world’s leading festival of ideas returns annually to the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)? Running 21–31 May 2026 in the world-famous booktown of Hay-on-Wye, the festival brings together writers, thinkers, artists and changemakers. The site is free to enter, with events individually ticketed. Pop by for a one-off event or to soak up the atmosphere, or stay for a whole week – it’s up to you!

Hay Festival

This year’s world-class line-up features Emma Thompson, Malala Yousafzai, Dawn French, Aled Jones, Gisèle Pelicot, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Michael McIntyre, Gwyneth Lewis, Fredrik Backman, Miriam Margolyes, Manic Street Preachers, Bear Grylls, Hugh Bonneville, Mary Berry, Prue Leith, Ian McEwan, Maggie O’Farrell, Bernardine Evaristo, Ocean Vuong, David Olusoga, Simon Schama, and hundreds more.

Enjoy 500+ events over 11 days, family activities, late-night entertainment, and pop-up performances across the site.

Discover Hay Festival

Hay Festival for Families

There’s more than ever for families to enjoy with free pop-up entertainment in the Family Garden and a jam-packed family programme. Daily craft sessions in the Make & Take Hub encourage young people to get creative and Festival events inspire young minds featuring Children’s Laureate Wales Nicola Davies, Cressida Cowell, Michael Morpurgo, Liz Pichon, Elgan Rhys and Mared Roberts, Russell Kane, Caryl Lewis, Sheila Kanani, and more.

Major celebrations mark 100 years of Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear, while Michael Rosen and MC Grammar present a riotous celebration of words, and BBC broadcaster Amol Rajan leads a spoken word gala with actors Emma Thompson, Larry Lamb, and Paterson Joseph, plus pupils from local schools.

Explore family events

Beginners Guide to Hay Festival

Going to Hay Festival for the first time? Check out the Beginner’s Guide with FAQs and helpful tips…

Beginner’s Guide
Hay on Wye Festival site, a selection of marquees creating a village

Where to stay

Accommodation in and around Hay goes fast. Take a look at properties a bit further afield. Also do call the properties closer in case they have cancellations. It does happen.

Dog Friendly Cottages, Self Catering Properties

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Ty Mawr Collection, The Bothy

Ideal for Family Breaks in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
a group sat outside their tent enjoying and vening together

Camping at Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer

Camping and pods with stunning views, walking trails and water activities in Bannau Brycheiniog.

Ty Mawr Collection, The Cottage

Romantic Luxury Retreat for Two in the Brecon Beacons

Llandyfan Camping

Suited for those wanting to be off grid and close to nature. Proper camping.
two horses in a forest of pine, just standing off a path

Trans Wales Horseback Trails Bed and Breakfast

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
view of the glamping pods and bell tenets area

Glamping at Parkwood Outdoors, Dolygaer

Reservoir view glamping pods with kitchenette, fire‑pit and access to adventure activities.

Plas Bach

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Touring caravans and motorhomes at Riverside Caravan Park, Crickhowell, Bannau Brycheiniog

Riverside Caravan Park

Riverside caravan and camping park in Crickhowell, beside the River Usk in the Brecon Beacons.
Aerial view of Farmstead and Wild accommodation and surrounding farmland, with rolling green hills and woodland in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

Farmstead and Wild

Shepherd’s hut accommodation overlooking Bannau Brycheiniog, ideal for walking and dark skies