Hay Festival
Hay Gwyl
- When
- 27 May 2027 to 6 June 2027
- Where
- Multiple Venues, Hay on Wye, South East Wales
- Price
- Free to £££'s
- Organiser
- Hay Festival
- Type
- Festival
The Hay Festival is one of the world's most celebrated literary and cultural events, transforming the historic town of Hay-on-Wye into a vibrant hub of ideas, creativity and conversation every spring. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK and around the globe, the festival is one of the premier events in Wales and a must-visit experience for book lovers, thinkers, families and anyone seeking inspiration.
Held over eleven days from late May into early June, the Hay Festival presents an outstanding programme featuring internationally renowned authors, poets, journalists, scientists, historians, politicians, musicians and cultural figures. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of talks, interviews, debates, workshops, performances and live events covering literature, current affairs, history, politics, science, the environment, music and the arts.
Beyond the festival venues, Hay-on-Wye itself offers plenty to discover. Famous as the world's first Book Town, its charming streets are lined with independent bookshops, welcoming cafés, galleries, boutiques and historic buildings. Visitors can also explore the impressive Hay Castle, stroll along the banks of the River Wye or venture into the nearby Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, making the festival an ideal centrepiece for a longer holiday in Mid Wales.
The Hay Festival also offers a rich programme of family activities, educational events and creative workshops, making it one of the UK's most inclusive cultural festivals. From children's storytelling sessions to thought-provoking discussions with leading global voices, there is something to inspire visitors of every age.
Whether you're planning a literary weekend, a cultural break in Wales or simply looking for one of the best festivals in the UK, the Hay Festival delivers an unforgettable experience. Combining world-class speakers with the unique atmosphere of Hay-on-Wye, it remains one of the highlights of the Welsh events calendar and a compelling reason to visit this beautiful border town each year.