Hay Festival – UK 2026

Background & History

Initiated in 1987 by Norman and Peter Florence, the Hay Festival has evolved into a globally celebrated literary and cultural event, famously described by former President Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the mind.” Based in the booktown of Hay-on-Wye, Wales, this 11-day festival draws over 80,000 attendees annually, fostering dialogue on critical global issues through literature, ideas, and performance. Operated by the Hay Festival Foundation (Registered Charity 1070073, Company 03490480, VAT GB 291 8222 93), it has earned prestigious honors, including the 2020 Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities and Festival of Sanctuary status from City of Sanctuary UK for its inclusive programs supporting refugee artists.

With Stephen Fry as Festival President and a board led by Chair Jay Hunt, the festival extends its reach through global events in Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Spain, and the USA, alongside a robust digital platform, Hay Festival Anytime, reaching millions. The 2026 edition, set in Hay-on-Wye’s historic setting, will feature literary luminaries, thought leaders, and emerging artists, continuing its legacy of bridging diverse perspectives. Its educational initiatives, like the Scribblers Tour and Beacons Project, engage thousands of students, while sustainability efforts, such as zero-waste catering and eco-partnerships, underscore its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Event Highlights

Main Activities or Performances

Hay Festival 2026, spanning May 21 to May 31, will host over 500 events across Hay-on-Wye’s iconic venues, including the Baillie Gifford Stage (1,500 seats), Llwyfan Cymru – Wales Stage, and intimate spaces like the Bookshop Tent and Starlight Stage. The program features author talks, panel discussions on climate change, AI ethics, and social justice, poetry readings, live music, comedy, and interactive workshops. Past events with figures like Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie suggest a 2026 lineup of similar caliber, blending established and emerging voices.

Family-oriented activities include storytelling sessions, illustration workshops, and the Children’s Zone, while the Hay Festival Forum will host debates with global thinkers. The Hay After Hours series, like the 2025 Cardiff event, previews the festival’s spirit with performances and provocations. Digital access via Hay Festival Anytime offers live-streamed talks and on-demand content, ensuring global participation. Educational programs, such as the Scribblers Tour, provide free creative writing workshops for schools, fostering young talent across the UK and beyond.

Special Traditions or Features

Hay-on-Wye transforms into a literary haven during the festival, with its 30+ bookstores hosting pop-up signings and street performances by buskers and poets. The Hay Festival Book Club, a cherished tradition, connects readers with authors through curated discussions. Sustainability is central, with reusable cup schemes, compostable catering, and partnerships with eco-charities like Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

The Sanctuary Programme amplifies refugee voices through dedicated events. Volunteers (over 300 in 2025) enhance the community vibe, assisting with ticketing, ushering, and outreach. The festival app and Hay Festival Anytime platform provide real-time schedules, accessibility info, and digital content, while the newsletter keeps subscribers informed on lineups and exclusive offers.

Unique Attractions for Visitors

The festival’s setting in Hay-on-Wye, the world’s first booktown, offers a unique literary experience with bookstores like Richard Booth’s and Hay Castle’s medieval tower. Dairy Meadows hosts art installations, food markets with Welsh produce, and a Children’s Zone with craft workshops and storytelling tents. Visitors can explore the Brecon Beacons National Park, hike Offa’s Dyke Path, or join guided literary tours of Hay’s historic streets. Evening events at the Starlight Stage, featuring comedy, music, and poetry slams, create a festive atmosphere. The festival’s global outreach, with 2025 events in Cartagena and New York, highlights its international cultural impact, while local craft markets and book signings add charm.

Date & Duration

Festival Dates

• 2026 Dates: Thursday, May 21 – Sunday, May 31, 2026

Duration

• 11 days, featuring over 500 events, including talks, performances, and workshops.

Opening Hours

• Main Site (Dairy Meadows): 9:00 AM–10:00 PM daily; performances typically 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
• Box Office: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM during festival; phone support (+44 1497 822 629, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri pre-festival).
• Digital Platform: Hay Festival Anytime accessible 24/7 for live and on-demand content.
• Info Desks: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM at Dairy Meadows and Hay-on-Wye town center.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue / Location

Dairy Meadows, Brecon Road, Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales, HR3 5PJ

Ticket Information

Sales Channels

Tickets are available via hayfestival.org or the Box Office (+44 1497 822 629, boxoffice@hayfestival.org). Pre-sales for Hay Festival Friends (membership ~£35/year, ~$46 USD) begin March 2026; general sales open April. Digital tickets for Hay Festival Anytime are available year-round. On-site ticket booths at Dairy Meadows accept card payments only.

Ticket Exchange

Tickets are non-transferable; refunds are issued only for canceled events (contact boxoffice@hayfestival.org within 30 days). Lost tickets can be reissued with proof of purchase. Name changes incur a £5 fee (~$6.50 USD) via the Box Office.

Admission Type

Paid admission for most events; free access to select family events and the Festival Marketplace. Open to all ages; under-16s require adult supervision (18+). Service dogs are permitted with documentation (e.g., ID harness).

Pricing Range

Based on 2025 rates (~1.31 USD/£):

• Minimum: Single event ticket ~$13 USD (£10); free family events.
• Maximum: Festival pass ~$260 USD (£200); premium workshops ~$65 USD (£50).
• Breakdown:
  • Single Event (talks, readings): ~$13–$39 USD (£10–£30)
  • Workshops (writing, illustration): ~$26–$65 USD (£20–£50)
  • Family Events: Free or ~$7–$13 USD (£5–£10)
  • Festival Pass (multi-event access): ~$130–$260 USD (£100–£200)
  • Digital Access (Hay Festival Anytime): ~$13–$65 USD (£10–£50)
  • Concessions: 50% off for under-18s, students, unemployed; free for under-5s with adult.
  • Booking Fees: 5% per order, minimum £3.50 (~$4.60 USD), maximum £10 (~$13 USD).
• VIP Options: Premium packages (~$130–$260 USD) include priority seating, backstage tours at Hay Castle, and exclusive receptions with authors and performers.

Payment Methods

Online: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, Apple Pay. On-site: Card payments only. The festival app supports digital ticketing with QR code scanning for seamless entry.

Contact Information

General Contact

• Tel:
  • Admin: +44 1497 822 620 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
  • Box Office: +44 1497 822 629 (10:00 AM–4:00 PM pre-festival, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM during festival)
• Email:
  • General: admin@hayfestival.org
  • Box Office: boxoffice@hayfestival.org
  • Press/Communications: christopher@hayfestival.org (Christopher Bone)
  • Sponsorship: adrian@hayfestival.org (Adrian Lambert), ruth@hayfestival.org (Ruth Thomas)
  • Exhibitors/Advertising: penny@hayfestival.org (Penny Compton)
  • Education: aine@hayfestival.org (Aine Venables)
  • Catering: georgie@hayfestival.org (Georgie Docker)
  • International (South America): izara@hayfestival.org
  • Event Proposals: submissions@hayfestival.org
• Website: https://www.hayfestival.org (English, Welsh, Spanish)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @hayfestival
  • Facebook: @hayfestival
  • X/Twitter: @hayfestival
  • Hashtag: #HayFestival2026
• Newsletter: Sign up at hayfestival.org (requires email and acceptance of terms for updates on lineups, tickets, and events).

Key Staff

• Stephen Fry: Festival President, a literary advocate shaping the festival’s vision.
• Jay Hunt: Chair of Trustees, overseeing strategic direction.
• Norman Florence: Co-founder, instrumental in establishing the festival’s global legacy.
• Christopher Bone: Communications Director, managing press and media relations.

Organization

• Legal Entity: Hay Festival Foundation (Registered Charity 1070073, Company 03490480, VAT GB 291 8222 93)
• Note: Response time is ~24–48 hours; priority for accessibility, ticketing, and urgent inquiries. Multilingual support includes English and Welsh. Volunteer and sponsorship inquiries are handled via admin@hayfestival.org.

Cultural Experience

Artistic Diversity

Hay Festival 2026 embodies the literary spirit of Hay-on-Wye, blending global and Welsh culture through talks, performances, and debates. The Baillie Gifford Stage hosts high-profile authors and thinkers, while the Llwyfan Cymru – Wales Stage celebrates Welsh literature, music, and poetry, featuring artists like Cerys Matthews. The festival’s interdisciplinary approach includes music performances, comedy nights, and poetry slams, fostering dialogue on issues like climate justice and cultural identity, with contributions from diverse voices, including refugee artists via the Sanctuary Programme.

Community Engagement

The festival fosters inclusivity through free family events, the Scribblers Tour for schools, and the Beacons Project, which engages thousands of students in creative writing. Volunteers (300+ in 2025) support ticketing, ushering, and sustainability efforts, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. The Hay Festival Book Club and pop-up signings in bookstores connect readers with authors, while the Festival Marketplace showcases local crafts, books, and Welsh artisans, strengthening community ties.

Culinary and Local Traditions

Food stalls at Dairy Meadows and town venues highlight Welsh cuisine, with sustainable practices like compostable materials and zero-waste goals. Local specialties include cawl (lamb or vegetable stew, ~$8–$13 USD), Welsh rarebit (~$6–$10 USD), and bara brith (~$3–$5 USD). Vegetarian and gluten-free options, such as leek and potato soup (~$6–$12 USD), cater to diverse diets. Beverages include Welsh ciders, Brecon Carreg ales (~$4–$8 USD), and non-alcoholic elderflower spritz (~$3–$5 USD). The festival partners with local producers to support the regional economy.

Local Exploration

Hay-on-Wye’s 30+ bookstores, including Richard Booth’s and Hay Castle, offer literary adventures, with rare books and signed editions. Visitors can explore the Brecon Beacons National Park, hike Offa’s Dyke Path, or join guided literary tours via Visit Wales. Historic sites like Tretower Court (15 miles) and Hay’s medieval market enhance the cultural experience, complemented by evening events at the Starlight Stage.

Food & Drinks

Culinary Offerings

Managed by Georgie Docker (georgie@hayfestival.org), catering emphasizes local, sustainable Welsh produce, with allergen lists at all stalls and card-only payments. Highlights include:

• Welsh Classics:
  • Cawl (lamb or vegetable stew, ~$8–$13 USD)
  • Welsh rarebit with local cheddar (~$6–$10 USD)
  • Bara brith or Welsh cakes (~$3–$5 USD)
• Vegetarian/Gluten-Free:
  • Leek and potato soup or vegan shepherd’s pie (~$6–$12 USD)
  • Gluten-free Welsh cakes or local green salads (~$5–$10 USD)
• International:
  • Wood-fired pizzas or falafel wraps (~$8–$14 USD)
  • Indian curries or Moroccan tagines (~$10–$15 USD)
• Desserts:
  • Lavender shortbread or sticky toffee pudding (~$3–$7 USD)
  • Local ice cream (blackcurrant sorbet, ~$3–$6 USD)
• Beverages:
  • Welsh ciders, Brecon Carreg ales (~$4–$8 USD)
  • Non-alcoholic elderflower spritz or herbal teas (~$3–$5 USD)
  • Coffee from local roasters (~$3–$5 USD)

Dining Logistics

Food stalls operate 9:00 AM–9:00 PM at Dairy Meadows and town venues. Allergen info is displayed, and staff assist with dietary needs. Free water stations are available at info desks and Dairy Meadows. Recycling stations and compostable materials support the festival’s sustainability goals, with proceeds aiding local eco-charities.

Getting There

By Air

• Cardiff Airport (CWL): 60 miles (~1.5 hr drive, ~$100–$300 USD flights). Trains to Hereford (~1 hr, ~$20–$50 USD), then shuttles or taxis.
• Bristol Airport (BRS): 70 miles (~1.5 hr drive, ~$100–$350 USD flights). Trains to Hereford (~1.5 hr, ~$30–$60 USD).
• London Heathrow (LHR): 150 miles (~3 hr drive, ~$150–$500 USD flights). Trains to Hereford (~3 hr, ~$40–$130 USD).

By Train

• Hereford Station (21 miles): Trains from London Paddington (~3 hr, ~$40–$130 USD), Cardiff (~1.5 hr, ~$20–$50 USD), Birmingham (~2 hr, ~$30–$70 USD). Festival shuttles from Hereford (~$7–$13 USD round-trip, book via hayfestival.org) or taxis (~$26–$39 USD, +44 1497 821 021).

By Bus

• National Express from London Victoria (~4.5 hr, ~$20–$50 USD) or Cardiff (~2 hr, ~$10–$25 USD) to Hereford. Local T14 bus to Hay-on-Wye (~45 min, ~$5 USD). Festival shuttles run 9:00 AM–10:00 PM from Hereford and Brecon.

By Car

• From London (M4/A449, ~3.5 hr, 160 miles), Cardiff (A470, ~1.5 hr, 60 miles), Birmingham (M5/A40, ~2 hr, 80 miles). Parking at Dairy Meadows (~$13–$20 USD/day, pre-book via hayfestival.org); accessible parking available. Carpool via festival’s ride-share platform.

By Bike/Walking

• Bike rentals (~$13–$26 USD/day) via Hay Bikes; secure racks at Dairy Meadows. Walking paths connect venues (~5–15 min). Offa’s Dyke Path offers scenic hiking routes.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• The Swan at Hay (0.2 km from Dairy Meadows): Boutique hotel with garden views, ~$130–$300 USD/night; swanathay.co.uk.
• Llangoed Hall, Brecon (15 miles): 5-star country estate, ~$150–$400 USD/night; llangoedhall.co.uk.
• The Bear Hotel, Hay-on-Wye (0.3 km): Historic inn, ~$120–$280 USD/night; thebearhay.co.uk.

Mid-Range

• The Old Black Lion (0.4 km): Charming pub with rooms, ~$80–$180 USD/night; oldblacklion.co.uk.
• Radnorshire Arms, Beguildy (10 miles): Cozy hotel, ~$70–$160 USD/night; radnorshirearmshotel.com.
• The Baskerville Arms (3 miles): Family-run, ~$60–$150 USD/night; baskervillearms.co.uk.

Budget

• Hay Stables (0.3 km): Guesthouse, ~$50–$100 USD/night; haystables.co.uk.
• Rest for the Tyred, Hay-on-Wye (0.5 km): Hostel with dorms (~$20–$50 USD/night), private rooms (~$50–$80 USD/night); restforthetyred.co.uk.
• Airbnb: Local homes/apartments, ~$50–$200 USD/night; book 6–12 months early due to festival demand.
• Hay-on-Wye Camping (1 km): Tent pitches, ~$20–$60 USD/night; showers and toilets available; haycamping.co.uk.

Camping Notes

Campsites offer basic amenities (showers, toilets, food stalls). Book via hayfestival.org or local providers. No open fires; tents must be in designated pitches.

Accessibility

Overview

Hay Festival 2026 prioritizes inclusivity, adhering to UK accessibility standards and W3C WCAG 2.1 A/AA for digital platforms. Accessibility applications open spring 2026 via hayfestival.org; contact boxoffice@hayfestival.org or +44 1497 822 629 for support.

Accessible Tickets

Purchase standard tickets; apply for free companion passes (1+1 policy) or priority seating with evidence (e.g., Access Card, Blue Badge, PIP documentation). Limited accessible passes for main stages; early booking recommended.

Venue Accessibility

• Dairy Meadows: Step-free access, ramps to Baillie Gifford and Llwyfan Cymru stages, accessible toilets with changing tables. Induction loops available; BSL interpreters on request (apply by April 30, 2026). Sensory calm spaces with noise-canceling headphones. Service dogs permitted with ID harnesses.
• Hay Castle/Library: Limited accessibility due to stairs; contact boxoffice@hayfestival.org for arrangements.
• Paths: Flat with gravel/tarmac; temporary trackways for wheelchairs in wet conditions.

Transport Accessibility

• Parking: Accessible spaces at Dairy Meadows (~$13 USD/day, pre-apply via box office).
• Shuttles: Wheelchair-accessible from Hereford/Brecon (~$7–$13 USD round-trip).
• Taxis: Accessible via Hay Taxis (+44 1497 821 021).

Digital Accessibility

Hay Festival Anytime supports screen readers, high-contrast modes, and subtitles. Report issues to website@hayfestival.org. BSL interpretation videos available for select events (TBD for 2026).

On-Site Support

Accessibility stewards at info desks (9:00 AM–8:00 PM) offer multilingual support (English, Welsh). Sensory calm spaces and trained staff ensure a safe, inclusive environment. Contact accessibility@hayfestival.org for tailored accommodations.