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.

the garden at the cottage with two sunbeds

Garden Cottage

Ideal for solo or couples wanting a rural retreat, great for activity breaks or relaxing
exterior shot of the building and old welsh barn style building

Ysgubor Bach Bunkhouse

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
fire-pit at Glasevin Mansion

Glasevin Mansion Accommodation

Elegant country house accommodation in Llangadog, offering peaceful stays in the Tywi Valley.

Ty Newydd Self Catering Cottages, Marina View

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

Cefncoedbach Farm, Woodland View

Self-catering cottages near Brecon with views of the Black Mountains. Ideal for group adventures

Hilltops Holiday Cottages

Stay at Hilltops Brecon – beautifully restored cottages near Brecon with countryside views.

Mountain View, Cefncoedbach Farm

Stay in a charming holiday cottage near Brecon, Bannau Brycheiniog. Sleeps 2–4.
Converted stone barns at Pwll Court Retreat with private gardens and rural views in Bannau Brycheiniog.

Pwll Court Retreat

Spacious group accommodation near Crickhowell with hot tub, gardens and en-suite rooms.

Tegfan Garden Suite

Ideal for couples and solo travellers looking for a relaxing or an activity break

Cnewr Estate, Cnewr Farmhouse

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