Festival Information
Wales
Overview
First held in 1988, Hay Festival is a world-renowned literature, ideas and arts festival in Hay-on-Wye. Its 11-day programme brings together writers, thinkers and performers for more than 600 talks, conversations, debates, readings, performances and workshops.
The free-to-enter tented festival site combines event venues with bookshops, gardens, food, exhibitors and activities for families. The programme ranges across literature, current affairs, science, comedy, music, film and the arts. Run by a charity, the festival celebrates its 40th edition in 2027.
Line-up
View the
official programme and ticket listings for speakers, performers, workshops and other events.
Note: The programme may continue to develop, so check the official listings for the latest information.
Festival Attendance: 210,000+ event tickets issued
This is a cumulative measure of tickets issued across the festival programme rather than the number of unique visitors or people on site at one time. The free-to-enter festival site also attracts visitors who may not hold tickets for scheduled events.
First held: 19882027 edition: 40th
Location
Hay Festival takes place at Dairy Meadows, Brecon Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5PJ, on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The main tented festival village brings most venues together on one site, around a five-minute walk from the centre of Hay-on-Wye. Some associated events may take place elsewhere, so check individual programme listings.
Travel Info
- By train: Hereford is the nearest railway station, approximately 21 miles away, with festival bus connections.
- By bus: Scheduled services connect Hay-on-Wye with Hereford and Brecon, alongside festival transport.
- Local travel: A town shuttle helps visitors travel between Hay-on-Wye and the festival site.
- By car: Follow the current official directions and parking guidance when planning your route.
- Walking and cycling: The site is close to the town centre, with information for walkers and cyclists on the official travel page.
See the festival's Travel Page for current timetables, routes, parking and arrival information.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: £13 - £130
This approximate range covers lower-priced individual events through to selected premium packages. Free events are also available, while booking fees apply per order. Always check the official ticket page for current pricing.
The festival site is free to enter, while most scheduled talks, performances and workshops are individually ticketed. Some free events also require advance tickets. Standard seating is generally unallocated, while selected premium packages include benefits such as priority access and reserved seating.
Tickets can be purchased through the official programme and ticket listings. For booking methods and current terms, visit the Booking Information Page.
Options include:
- Individual talks, conversations and performances
- Workshops and family events
- Free ticketed events
- Selected premium packages
- Festival Lounge day passes
Important Ticket Information
Only purchase tickets through official booking links provided by Hay Festival. A booking fee applies per order. Age guidance, accompaniment requirements and entry conditions vary by event, so check the individual listing and current booking information before purchasing.
Accommodation
Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding area offer hotels, B&Bs, self-catering stays, campsites and glamping. Accommodation can fill quickly during the festival, so plan and book early.
Browse the festival's official accommodation guidance for current options and practical information.
Some Accommodation Options:
- Find Me A Bed — the festival's official accommodation service and booking agent
- Tangerine Fields — camping and glamping near the festival
- Hotels, guest houses and self-catering stays in Hay-on-Wye and the wider area, including Hereford and Brecon
Packing Checklist:
Ensure you are fully prepared for your festival adventure with Festival Calendar UK's Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
Hay Festival provides a range of access facilities and support across the festival site, including:
- Hard under-cover boardwalks for easy venue access
- Wheelchair spaces and advance Blue Badge parking
- Induction loops in most venues and assisted listening systems in the main venues
- Selected BSL interpretation when requested sufficiently far in advance
- Live captioned streamed events
- Quiet room for neurodivergent visitors
- Queue avoidance and suitable seating support
- Free carer tickets arranged through the Box Office
- Accessible toilets
- Assistance and guide dogs welcomed subject to the published conditions
For more detailed information, visit Hay Festival's accessibility page or email accessibility@hayfestival.com.
