Hay Festival

Hay on Wye
Illuminated HAY letters and a lit marquee at Hay Festival after dark
Visitors gathered outside white festival marquees with green hills beyond
Visitors relaxing on grass beneath leafy trees at Hay Festival
See all photos
Illuminated HAY letters and a lit marquee at Hay Festival after dark
Visitors gathered outside white festival marquees with green hills beyond
Visitors relaxing on grass beneath leafy trees at Hay Festival
Audience watching a group performance inside a striped festival marquee
Visitors taking part in an outdoor activity among trees at Hay Festival
Children and adults taking part in a lively stage event at Hay Festival
Audience members seated inside a Hay Festival event tent
A child meeting a costumed Gruffalo character at Hay Festival
Visitors sitting beside large yellow HAY letters outdoors
A visitor reading a book on the grass at Hay Festival
A speaker in a dark jacket on stage at Hay Festival

Welcome to Hay Festival

Set against the backdrop of the book-loving town of Hay-on-Wye, Hay Festival is one of the world’s leading celebrations of literature, arts and ideas.

Each year, in late May and early June, writers, thinkers, artists and performers from around the globe gather in this small market town on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Together, they create a vibrant programme of events that brings books to life and sparks conversations that stretch across science, art, politics, history and beyond.

Founded in 1987 around a kitchen table in Hay-on-Wye, the festival has grown into a truly international phenomenon, with editions now hosted across Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Yet its heart remains here in the Welsh Borders, where ideas are explored, challenged and celebrated in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Alongside its packed programme of talks and readings, the festival also offers a range of workshops, performances, family-friendly activities, and pop-up cafes and bookshops, making it a lively and inspiring day out for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re seeking conversations with your favourite authors, new perspectives on the world, or simply the joy of being surrounded by books and creativity, Hay Festival promises an unforgettable experience.

Show more
Visit our website
admin@hayfestival.org
01497 822 620

Hay Festival, Hay on Wye

A visitor reading a book on the grass at Hay Festival

Amenities

  1. Charged Car Parking
  2. On-Line Ordering
  1. Family Friendly
  2. Wi-fi

Similar events

Discover more events and festivals in and around Bannau Brycheiniog.

All Things To Do
Snow-covered mountain ridge and steep slopes beneath a blue sky

Trig Point Adventures

Guided walks and Hill and Mountain Skills courses with Dorian Thomas in Bannau Brycheiniog.
A helmeted pilot in a yellow jacket checks paraglider lines on a grassy hillside while visitors wait nearby

Crickhowell Paragliding

BHPA-approved tandem paragliding flights and training above Bannau Brycheiniog from Crickhowell.
Tables and chairs beneath a pitched roof with a display of colourful books in the Book-ish Café loft.

Book-ish and Book-ish Café

Independent bookshop and café in Crickhowell, with author events and book clubs.
Brown cow wearing a rosette at the Royal Welsh Show

Royal Welsh Show

One of Europe’s largest agricultural shows near Bannau Brycheiniog each summer.
Participants arranging colourful wool fibres on towels around a shared wet-felting table.

Fabulous Feltings

Wet-felting workshops for small groups with textile artist Jane Evans near Cilycwm, Llandovery.
a couple sitting side by side on a wooden outdoor chair enjoying a view

The Barn at Brynich, Wedding and Events Venue

Grade II listed wedding and events venue near Brecon with two spaces and on-site cottages

Adventure Britain / Call of the Wild

Outdoor activities and group adventure breaks across South Wales, including Bannau Brycheiniog.
Jess Rayner in her Beacons Pottery studio near Libanus.

Beacons Pottery

Hands-on pottery workshops and creative ceramic experiences in Bannau Brycheiniog.
Penpont House beyond a meadow, with mature trees and hills in the background.

Penpont Wedding and Events Venue

Intimate Penpont weddings near Brecon, with gardens, historic Stables and exclusive use.
Helmeted mountain bikers listen to a guide beside their bikes on a sunny forest track.

WyeMTB

Guided mountain-bike rides, skills coaching and British Cycling courses across South Wales.
A climber wearing a red helmet and sunglasses on a rock face beside a climbing rope.

Borderlands Outdoor

Climbing, caving, bushcraft, archery and navigation courses in South Wales and the Forest of Dean.
Dark, modern exterior of Penderyn Distillery in Bannau Brycheiniog.

Penderyn Distillery

Award-winning Welsh whisky tours and tastings across Penderyn’s three distilleries.
A person looking through a telescope illuminated by red light, with trees and hills behind.

Dark Sky Wales

Dark Sky Wales: Stargazing and Astronomy Experiences in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Sunlight over a lake beneath steep mountain slopes in Bannau Brycheiniog

Friends of the Brecon Beacons / Cyfeillion Bannau Brycheiniog

Year-round guided walks, talks and conservation work from Friends of the Brecon Beacons.

Books at The Dragon’s Garden

Independent bookshop in Llandovery offering books, Fair Trade gifts, gardening tools and events

Cascave Gin

Family-run Welsh gin producer in Crai, with online sales and hosted tastings for groups.
A wedding ceremony in a glazed timber-framed space with the castle visible beyond.

Carreg Cennen Castle Wedding and Events Space

Wedding ceremonies, barn receptions and daytime events with views of Carreg Cennen Castle.
Having a Hot Chocolate while walking around the stalls at the Winter Fair

Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Livestock competitions, Welsh food, gifts and seasonal entertainment at Llanelwedd.
A stack of mismatched china cups and saucers at Gwernyfed Walled Garden and Café.

Gwernyfed Walled Garden and Café

Garden-to-plate café in a restored Victorian walled garden near Hay-on-Wye and the Black Mountains.
The Angel Hotel’s pale Georgian frontage, with flags, sash windows and a columned entrance on Cross Street.

The Angel Hotel, Wedding and Events Space

Wedding receptions, celebrations and meetings at The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny.
Traders and shoppers beneath striped awnings at Hay Markets.

Hay Markets

Thursday markets, seasonal Saturdays, local food, makers and vintage in Hay-on-Wye.
Runner in red shorts using poles on a grassy mountain path at a Limitless Trails event.

Limitless Trails

Trail-running events, mountain races and ultras around Crickhowell and Bannau Brycheiniog.
Wedding guests dining at long flower-decorated tables inside Hay Castle

Hay Castle – Events, Weddings and Venue Hire

Public events, weddings, celebrations and meeting spaces in the heart of Hay-on-Wye.

Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Independent garden centre, farm shop and restaurant between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye.
Colourful flowers in a cream jug, with glass bottles and candle jars on a wedding table.

The Plough at Rhosmaen, Wedding and Events Venue

Wedding, celebration and meeting spaces near Llandeilo, with hotel rooms and gardens.
Four walkers silhouetted against low sunlight over mountain valleys

Wild Trails Wales

Private guided walks, outdoor-skills coaching and nature connection in Bannau Brycheiniog and Wales.
outdoors wedding at the mansion in the garden

Glansevin Mansion, Wedding and Event Venue

Exclusive-use wedding venue near Llangadog with ceremonies, accommodation and private grounds.
The Angel Hotel’s pale Georgian frontage, with flags, sash windows and a columned entrance on Cross Street.

The Angel, Abergavenny – Stay, Eat and Celebrate

Explore The Angel in Abergavenny: hotel stays, dining, the bakery, weddings and events.
A speaker in a dark jacket on stage at Hay Festival

How to book

Explore the current programme and booking information online, or contact the Hay Festival box office for ticket enquiries.

Book now
boxoffice@hayfestival.org
01497 822 629

Explore the surrounding area

Find places to stay, places to eat, attractions, activities and walks in the surrounding area.

All things to do
White-painted Cnewr Farmhouse with a slate roof, front lawn, white picket fence and black gate.

Cnewr Estate

Two self-catering homes near Crai: Fan Cottage for six and Cnewr Farmhouse for larger groups.
Aerial view of the Greenman hedge maze surrounded by trees and lawns at Penpont.

Penpont

Self-catering, riverside camping, gardens and a farm shop at a family-run estate near Brecon.

Black Mountains: Rhos Fach Common and Crickhowell Castle

Ty Newydd Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast

Farmhouse B&B near Brecon with four en-suite rooms sleeping eight, canal walks and mountain views.
A group wearing red buoyancy aids kneeling on blue paddleboards and holding paddles.

Inspire 2 Adventure

SUP, climbing and gorge walking in Bannau Brycheiniog & Wye Valley.
trans wales trails

Marchogaeth
An orienteering group navigating outdoors at Glyntawe Outdoor Centre.

Glyntawe Outdoor Centre

Group stays, self-catering and outdoor activities for up to 35 guests at Pen y Cae.
Stone house with climbing plants, a curved driveway and gardens, with wooded hills behind Glanusk Lodge

Glanusk Lodge

Self-catering house for 12 with a private garden on Glanusk Estate near Crickhowell.
The photo shows cloud/fog filling the valley below Hay Bluff at sunset

Offa’s Dyke National Trail

Performing Arts and Entertainment
a couple sitting side by side on a wooden outdoor chair enjoying a view

The Barn at Brynich, Wedding and Events Venue

Grade II listed wedding and events venue near Brecon with two spaces and on-site cottages
Twin bedroom with exposed beams at Ty Newydd self-catering cottages

Ty Newydd Self Catering Cottages, Bullrush Barn

Three-bedroom cottage for six near Brecon, with a garden, canal access and space for two dogs.

Dragonfly Cruises

Canal cruises from Brecon, with guided trips, private hire and self-drive boats.
Penpont House beyond a meadow, with mature trees and hills in the background.

Penpont Wedding and Events Venue

Intimate Penpont weddings near Brecon, with gardens, historic Stables and exclusive use.
Stone barn and raised balcony surrounded by climbing plants and flowers at Sky Loft.

Cambrian Escapes, Sky Loft

Hayloft for two near Cilycwm, with a work table, balcony and outdoor wood burner; no pets.

Road Cycling

Talgarth Mill, Tours and Craft Shop

Working watermill tours, riverside gardens and a local craft shop in the centre of Talgarth.

Craig-y-Nos to Llanddeusant (Beacons Way – day 6)
White exterior of Ty Gwyn beside a grassy garden, with a wooded hill behind.

Porth y Parc, Ty Gwyn

House for six near Abergavenny, with two ground-floor bedrooms, an enclosed garden and hill walks.
Black horned sheep grazing on a lead, with visitors and other sheep behind

Jacob Sheep Trekking and Farm Experience Days

Sheep trekking, farm animal experiences and wool crafts at Aberhyddnant Organic Farm near Crai.
Four walkers silhouetted against low sunlight over mountain valleys

Wild Trails Wales

Private guided walks, outdoor-skills coaching and nature connection in Bannau Brycheiniog and Wales.
White-painted Cnewr Farmhouse with a slate roof, front lawn, white picket fence and black gate.

Cnewr Estate, Cnewr Farmhouse

Seven-bedroom farmhouse near Crai for 14, with space for two more by arrangement and games room.
Priory Groves Brecon walk way

One More Day in Aberhonddu | Brecon
Llythrennau metel Cegin Glo o flaen olwyn fawr y tu mewn i’r bar a’r bistro.

Zip World Glofa’r Tŵr, Cegin Glo

Bar a bistro yng Nglofa’r Tŵr sy’n croesawu cyfranogwyr, gwylwyr ac ymwelwyr eraill.
Two mountain bikers in helmets riding a rocky trail between trees.

BikePark Wales

Mountain Biking Adventures at BikePark Wales | Near Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Stone Coach House Cottage with arched doorways and flowering wisteria across its walls.

Ty Cefn Tregib, Self Catering

Self-catering near Llandeilo: Coach House Cottage sleeps five and The Lookout sleeps two.
Three helmeted participants practise rope handling beside a rock face.

Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre Activities

Instructor-led outdoor activities near Libanus, with group days and residential options.

Gablebach at Black Mountain Escapes

Bwthyn sy’n croesawu cŵn i ddau ger Llangadog, gydag Aga, tân, patio a baddondy awyr agored.
Decking and a chair beside the green timber Lookout lodge, with trees surrounding the path to its kitchen.

The Lookout at Ty Cefn Tregib

Woodland lodge for two at Ty Cefn Tregib near Llandeilo, with a wood burner and private facilities.

Stargazing

Wellness and Spa Retreats
Three horses looking over a wooden fence beneath leafy trees.

Grange Horse Riding and Trekking Centre

Grange Trekking: Horse Riding Adventures in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons
Tables and chairs beneath a pitched roof with a display of colourful books in the Book-ish Café loft.

Book-ish and Book-ish Café

Independent bookshop and café in Crickhowell, with author events and book clubs.
Stone barn and adjoining farmhouse at Abercynafon, with lawns, hedges and a wooded hillside behind.

Abercynafon Farm Barn

Barn for ten near Talybont-on-Usk, with four en-suite bedrooms, gardens and space for groups.
Hay Castle’s stone façade above clipped shrubs and garden steps

Hay Castle

Explore Hay Castle: history, exhibitions, a café, tours, events and weddings in Hay-on-Wye.
White Shire horse grazing beside a dark foal at Dan-yr-Ogof

Shire Horses, Victorian Farm and Iron Age Village at Dan-yr-Ogof

Meet Shire horses and farm animals, then explore Victorian and Iron Age life at Dan-yr-Ogof.

Storey Arms to Craig-y-Nos (Beacons Way -Day 5)
Picnic tables, a timber shelter and colourful bunting beside a woodland path at Woodland Park Glamping.

Woodland Park Glamping

Off-grid woodland cabins and pods near Brecon, with private fire pits and varied facilities.
a canvas tent set up under trees by the river in late summer

Camping at Penpont

Quiet, informal riverside camping with farm shop, sauna, and starlit campfires.
Band performing under blue stage lights before an audience at The Foundry Brecon.

The Foundry Brecon

Live music, food and events at a grassroots venue in central Brecon.

Craig-y-Nos Country Park Walk

Penderyn Mineral Line walk

Taff Trail – Brynich Lock to Talybont-on-Usk
Two women and a child beside the red postbox outside Hopes of Longtown.

Hopes of Longtown

Village store and Post Office in Longtown, with local produce and everyday essentials.
Dining room at The King’s Head in Llandovery

Eating and Drinking at The King’s Head

Local produce, restaurant meals, Sunday lunch and Welsh ales on Llandovery’s Market Square.
Stone cottage buildings behind a lawn, flowering tree and timber fence with a Caebetran Farm sign.

The Granary at Caebetran Farm

Farm cottage for four near Felin Fach, with two en-suite bedrooms and hillside views.

Horseback Adventure Routes

Tyn y Coed Cottage

Welsh stone cottage near Sennybridge, with original beams, wood burner, garden and hot tub.
A person looking through a telescope illuminated by red light, with trees and hills behind.

Dark Sky Wales

Dark Sky Wales: Stargazing and Astronomy Experiences in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
trans wales trails

Horse Riding