Festival Information
Wales
Overview
The Hay Festival takes place in Hay-on-Wye, a small town in Powys, Wales, nestled on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Founded in 1988, the festival has grown from humble beginnings in a pub garden to a globally renowned celebration of literature and ideas. Located on an 11-acre site called Dairy Meadows, the festival brings together writers, thinkers, performers, and audiences for an immersive cultural experience. Bill Clinton famously described it as the "Woodstock of the mind", highlighting its significance in the global literary landscape. The festival features over 600 events, including author talks, panel discussions, debates, readings, and performances, making it a pivotal platform for intellectual and creative exchange.
Location
Hay Festival takes place at: Dairy Meadows, Brecon Rd, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, HR3 5PJ, located on the edge of the picturesque Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
See their dedicated Travel Page for getting there info.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: Free - £120
You can enter the festival site without a ticket, for specific events however, you will need to purchase a ticket. To avoid disappointment it is advised to purchase a ticket in advance.
Note: seating is NOT pre-allocated, unless you purchase a Premium Ticket Package, where you enjoy queue free access and reserved seating in the first 3 rows.
Tickets to Hay Festival can be purchased online via their Tickets Page. For other ways to book and ticketing terms, visit the Booking Information Page.
Options include:
- Individual Event Tickets
- Premium Ticket Package - £120 (Seems a bit tricky to find this option, view the schedule in "list view", scroll all the way to the bottom where you can find the option.)
- Festival Lounge Pass
Accommodation
Hay Festival is NOT (necessarily) a camping festival, please arrange your own accommodation.
Hay Festival's Accommodation Page is super useful, providing lots of options to plan your visit.
Some Accommodation Options:
- Find Me A Bed (Official accommodation service & booking agent.)
- Tangerine Fields (Offers riverside camping & glamping in the heart of the town center.)
- Glamping with Fred's Yurts
Packing Checklist:
Ensure you're fully prepared for your festival adventure with our Essential Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
Hay Festival is committed to accessibility for all. The site offers:
- Hard under-cover boardwalks for easy venue access
- Wheelchair spaces and Blue Badge parking
- Induction loops in most venues
- BSL interpretation with advance notice
- Live captioned streamed events
- Quiet room for neurodivergent visitors
- Free carer tickets
- Disabled access toilets
- Assistance dogs welcome
For more detailed information, visit Hay Festival's accessibility page or email accessibility@hayfestival.com.
