A beginner's guide to Hay Festival
Whether your scene is glorious countryside, blossom in the hedges and walking boots, or Pimm's in the sunshine, bookshops galore and kitten heels, Hay Festival has you covered. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of the Festival...
Hay Festival for... families of all ages
A trip to the Festival makes a great family day out. Meet favourite authors and discover fresh ones, learn new skills in hands-on workshops and get creative in the crafting hub. Here are our top tips to have the perfect day.
- Early risers – the site opens from 9am, with some tasty breakfast options.
- Relax and play in our Family Garden.
- Visit the Make & Take Hub – crafting heaven for 3–11-year-olds.
- Learn a new skill in one of our workshops, from performance to creative writing.
- Refresh yourself with a delicious Shepherd’s ice cream – made locally from sheeps’ milk.
- Experience an author event to hear new stories or learn jaw-dropping things.
- Visit the Festival Bookshop to discover exciting new books and get yours signed.
- Bring a picnic, or visit our Canteen with delicious food at child-friendly portions and prices.
Hay Festival for... book lovers
Whether you love fact or fiction, past or present, romance or reality, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. With authors and books across all genres, you’re sure to find both old favourites and many new ideas.
- Hear it here first – major new fiction releases and prize-winning authors.
- Step through the magnifying glass, with the latest true crime and crime fiction.
- Discover emerging voices, in conversation with established authors.
- Hear from the winner of the International Booker Prize.
- Meet the authors and get your books signed at the Festival Bookshop.
- Sip a coffee in the gardens while you read your new purchases.
Hay Festival for... adventurers
Hay-on-Wye is nestled on the edge of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Festival offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking adventure. Get out and explore the local area, or enjoy armchair adventures on site.
- Join a wayfaring walk in the surrounds of Hay-on-Wye.
- Check out events with adventurers, explorers and sportspeople at hayfestival.org/programme.
- Hire a canoe and enjoy a blissful day paddling down the River Wye.
- Indulge in some of the yoga classes offered by our therapeutic partners on site.
Hay Festival for... open minds
We’re here for ground-breaking ideas and boundary-pushing debate. From establishment to counter-culture, we bring you the thinkers striving to articulate new ideas, outline possible futures and challenge the narrative.
- Explore the climate emergency from all angles in Hay Festival Green events.
- Bring your coffee to a News Panel, with headline guests and Independent editors.
- Hear from documentary-makers who are exposing the leading issues of today.
- Join outside-the-box thinkers to interrogate our assumptions.
- Hear some of your favourite BBC radio programmes and podcasts recorded live.
- Catch up on missed events, plus hundreds from past years, with Hay Festival Anytime.
Hay Festival for... pleasure seekers
A heady mix of music, comedy and performance keeps the party going into the night. Enjoy some street food from the Canteen, drinks from the Festival Bar, and settle in for an evening of top-class entertainment.
- Enjoy leading comedy from favourites including Michael McIntyre, Alan Davies, and Sara Pascoe.
- Check out some of the most exciting up-and-coming comedians at Hay Festival Comedy Club.
- Don’t miss the roof-raising live music on offer, from big band jazz to British soul and funky house.
- Sample artisan producers and see top chefs in action with our Matters of Taste series of tantalising tastings and food demos.
- Catch up with an eclectic selection of the best recent films in our MUBI Cinema.