This September, the cultural heart of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park comes alive as the Hay Music Festival returns from 12–14 September 2025. Over three days, Hay-on-Wye will host an inspiring programme of concerts, films, talks and exhibitions, drawing together internationally acclaimed performers and thought-provoking events.

The festival opens on Friday 12 September with a screening of The Kite Runner, followed by a talk with composer Charlotte Bray and artist Caroline Burraway. The evening concert features the Fitzwilliam String Quartet performing works by Purcell, Bray, Schubert and Delius.

On Saturday 13 September, highlights include a coffee concert by Sinfonia Cymru (Seavaigers by Sally Beamish), a discussion on Exiles & Emigres with Peter Florence and guests, and a concert with soprano Alysia Henshaw and pianist Jay Carroll performing Korngold and Saariaho. The day rounds off with jazz in Hay Castle from the McQuaid Quintet.

Sunday 14 September sees a talk on the making of Kesulat (Fields of War) with Alan Trow and Jimi Tihofsi, a screening of the film itself, and a final concert from the Fitzwilliam String Quartet with pianist Sarah Nicolls, featuring works by Glazunov, Weinberg, Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich.

Running alongside the main programme will be an exhibition in Hay Castle of Ungrieavable Lives by Caroline Burraway, as well as outreach events for local schools, vulnerable adults and children.

📍 Where: Hay-on-Wye

🗓 When: Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September 2025

👉 More details: haymusic.org

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