Published: 14 March 2026 | 12:00 | Brecon Beacons Tourism News
Tickets for Hay Festival 2026 have been released today (Saturday 14 March at 12 noon), marking the official start of planning for one of the UK’s most significant cultural events and an important visitor period for businesses across Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
The internationally recognised Festival of Ideas attracts thousands of visitors from across the UK and internationally each year, generating demand for accommodation, restaurants, independent retail, attractions and outdoor experiences throughout late May and early summer.
Running for 11 days in the literary town of Hay-on-Wye, the Festival combines literature, journalism, science, history, politics, comedy and music, helping reinforce the town’s global reputation as the world’s first book town.
Founded in 1988, Hay Festival has grown into one of the world’s most respected cultural events, bringing together leading writers, thinkers, scientists and performers. Often described as the Festival of Ideas, it now runs events internationally while Hay-on-Wye remains its spiritual home.
The Festival plays an important role in Wales’ cultural calendar and continues to attract a highly engaged audience interested in literature, culture, sustainability and global issues.
The 2026 programme includes appearances from Emma Thompson, Dawn French, Malala Yousafzai, Michael McIntyre, Miriam Margolyes, Bear Grylls, Hugh Bonneville, Mary Berry, Aled Jones, Ian McEwan, Maggie O’Farrell, Bernardine Evaristo, David Olusoga, Simon Schama and Manic Street Preachers, alongside hundreds of writers, performers and thinkers.
Alongside ticketed talks, the Festival also features family activities, free pop-up performances and evening events, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere throughout the town.
Entry to the Festival site remains free, with individual sessions ticketed.
Hay Festival continues to act as one of the most important early-season visitor drivers for the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) area, often encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore the wider region.
Many visitors combine Festival attendance with walking in the National Park, visiting local towns and independent shops, exploring heritage attractions and experiencing the region’s food and drink offer.
Events of this scale play an important role in supporting independent businesses and strengthening the rural visitor economy between Easter and the main summer season.
Julie Bell, Director of Brecon Beacons Tourism, said:
"Major events such as Hay Festival play an important role in supporting independent businesses across Bannau Brycheiniog. Visitors rarely experience just one place — they stay, eat, shop and explore across the wider area."
"This is a valuable period for many businesses and a good reminder of the importance of working together to present the region as a complete visitor destination."
For many visitors, Hay Festival provides an introduction to the landscapes and experiences of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
The Festival period often encourages visitors to discover locations beyond Hay itself, including market towns, walking routes, heritage sites and locally owned businesses, helping spread economic benefit across neighbouring communities.
This pattern of movement helps strengthen the wider regional visitor economy and supports businesses across multiple sectors.
With tickets now available, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, particularly when booking accommodation and popular talks.
Full programme information and tickets are available from Hay Festival.
→ View Hay Festival programme and tickets
Visitors planning their Festival visit can also explore places to stay, activities, shops and attractions across the wider Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) area.
→ Discover things to do near Hay-on-Wye
Brecon Beacons Tourism continues to work with businesses across the region to support collaboration, improve visibility and encourage sustainable visitor growth linked to major events throughout the year.
By encouraging visitors to explore more of the region, major cultural events help reinforce the importance of partnership working across the visitor economy.
Brecon Beacons Tourism supports businesses across Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) through promotion, networking, advocacy and visitor marketing.
