The Hay Festival brings writers, readers, artists, scientists, musicians and many more together to create, inspire and entertain.
With an overwhelming amount on the programme, we have put together a short guide on some of the must-see attractions.
MAKE & TAKE TENT
For younger children
The Make & Take Tent is a free, drop-in venue at Hay Festival where families and children can hang out and take part in crafting and other messy, creative activities throughout the festival.
Illustration Hot Desk
You can also find out what it’s like to be a working illustrator. See who’s in residence each day on the chalkboard outside the Make & Take Tent.
https://www.hayfestival.com/wales/haydays/make-and-take
SERIOUS READING ROOM
A new covered space for festival-goers to relax in, the Serious Reading Room is open throughout the Festival, offering a comfortable spot for contemplation between events. Sit in there for long enough and you will also discover surprising, free readings from star festival speakers every day! Visit hayfestival.org/wales/serious-reading-room for the daily schedule of performances and follow @seriousreaders.
https://www.seriousreaders.com/blog/serious-at-the-hay-festival-new-serious-reading-room-announced
FESTIVAL GARDENS AND FAMILY SPACES
The Festival’s gardens provide the perfect place for you to relax with a book and there is plenty to keep the kids busy as there will also be a vast and varied programme of workshops for children, teenagers and adults including sessions on radio production, illustration, creative writing and coding.
The Festival also has a dedicated children’s area with its own Starlight Stage, and a new Family Food Hall to explore.
Check out the HAYDAYS programme for families and children, including events like the Celebration of The Gruffalo’s 20th birthday with Julia Donaldson and friends for a fun-packed hour of stories and songs based on her bestselling books.
https://www.hayfestival.com/c-200-haydays.aspx
WHERE TO EAT
Gloucestershire-based Big Event Catering The Grove bring a menu which will be made with local meats, fresh West Country fish and locally sourced seasonal vegetables as well as flavoursome vegan and gluten-free options. Booking in advance is recommended, book a ‘Ticket to Dine’ to receive a complimentary drink on arrival.
There is also a festival food hall where you can find a vast range of delicious food to fuel you for the rest of the festival!
https://www.hayfestival.com/wales/food-and-drink
HAY TOWN
Fair on the Square
From 25-27th May, 10am–5.30pm, Hay Memorial Square
Enjoy a free weekend street party with live music, food, children’s activities and a vintage market in the centre of Hay. Taking place in Memorial Square, with the historic Hay Castle as a backdrop, where you can find a whole host of live music throughout the event.
Hay Market Day
23 & 30 May, 9am–3pm, Memorial Square, Clock Tower, Buttermarket
Visit the Hay Market, trading for more than 700 years this vibrant local market is held in the centre of Hay every Thursday. Hay Market Day has over 40 stalls which can be found in the Memorial Square, Cheese Market, Butter Market and around the Clock Tower.
Walks
There is a range of walks programmed throughout the Festival for you to enjoy. You can visit farms and sawmills, trek with a writer on Wayfaring walks or explore the local area on through the Mountain Warehouse Walk Series. All the walks are detailed within the main Hay Festival programme.
https://www.hayfestival.com/wales/hay-town-and-local-walks
Entry to the Festival site is free, so everyone can explore and enjoy the cafés, bars, restaurants, exhibitors and shops. All Festival events are ticketed individually and you need to buy a ticket(s) to the events that you wish to attend. Find a bursting array of things to do in the Hay Festival Programme and go online to book!
If your visit to the festival has left you yearning to live in the charming town of Hay-on-Wye check out our homes at Bookers Edge. Show Home open daily 10am – 5pm during the Hay Festival 23rd May – 2nd June.
Reserve a home at Bookers Edge during the Hay Festival and save up to £5,000 – speak to our sales team to find out more.
