About:
Hay Festival is one of the world’s leading literary festivals, taking place annually in Hay‑on‑Wye, the famed Town of Books. Since its founding in 1988, it has brought together writers, thinkers and creatives from across the globe to celebrate literature, ideas, arts and culture. The ten‑day programme is known for its inspiring talks, debates, performances and family events.
What they offer:
Over 600 events—talks, debates, readings, performances—across 11 days
Sessions spanning literature, politics, science, music and comedy
Family-friendly programming and workshops during the festival
Outdoor Wayfaring Walks led by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park guides
Easy access to the literary town’s bookshops, galleries, cafés and local walks
Why we love it:
Hay Festival is a cultural highlight, transforming the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park into a hive of creativity and dialogue. It celebrates ideas across disciplines, cultivates a love of reading, and connects global voices and local landscapes. The festival is truly “The Woodstock of the Mind”, while still rooted in Welsh natural heritage.
For more details, visit https://www.hayfestival.com/hay-on-wye/home