Discover more in Hay
Picturesque and lively, Hay-on-Wye offers a wide variety of shops, markets and al fresco entertainment during the Festival. Explore the streets and soak up the atmosphere. Further afield, visit a working farm or take a walk with National Park guides.
In and around Hay
Explore some of the most beautiful countryside in Mid Wales, from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park to Hay Bluff. Browse the town’s many bookshops, both second hand and new, and visit the boutiques and galleries before refilling your tank in one of the cosy pubs or cafés.
Hay Market events
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience an event in the town’s Memorial Square and the historic Buttermarket and Cheese Market, both dating back to the 1830s.
Fair on the Square
Memorial Square | Saturday 23, Sunday 25 & Monday 25 May, 10am–6pm
Enjoy a free Bank Holiday weekend street party with live music, flea market and delicious food and drink, all in the centre of Hay.
Hay Market Day
Memorial Square, Clock Tower, Buttermarket | Thursday 21 & Thursday 28 May, 9am–2pm
Trading for more than 700 years, Hay Market is a vibrant weekly market held in the centre of Hay every Thursday. With over 40 independent traders offering an eclectic range of seasonal produce, hot food and drink, flea market and local makers. Visit haymarkets.co.uk.
Hay Saturday Market
Memorial Square, Clock Tower, Buttermarket | Saturday 30 May, 10am–4pm
Monthly street market in the centre of Hay, with over 40 local producers, flea, artisan makers, street food and drink.
Events at the Cheese Market
Local Makers Market | Fri 22, Sat 23, Sun 24, Mon 25, Sat 30 & Sun 31 May, 10am–4pm
Flea & Vintage Market | Tue 26, Wed 27 & Fri 29 May, 10am–4pm
Events at the Buttermarket
Friday Flea Market | Fri 22 May, 10am–4pm
Art & Soul Craft Market | Sat 23 May, 10am–4pm
Craft & Collectables Fair | Sun 24 May, 10am–4pm
Vinyl Daze Record & CD Fair | Mon 25 May, 10am–4pm
Golden Valley Crafts Market | Tue 26 May, 10am–4pm
Art & Soul Craft Market | Wed 27 May, 10am–4pm
Friday Flea Market | Fri 29 May, 10am–4pm
Hay Cider Festival | Sat 30 May, 10am–4pm
Sunday Flea Market | Sun 31 May, 10am-4pm
Hay Castle
Hay Castle is well worth a visit, with layers of history from medieval roots to contemporary arts via the Independent Kingdom of Hay. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, the café, shop and Great Hall are free to enter. Entry to the rest of the castle is £7.50 per person, free for under 18s. Visit haycastletrust.org.
Castle Street Food Market
Honesty Bookshop, Castle Street | Daily throughout the Festival, 10am–6pm
Step through a secret door off Castle Street into Hay’s world-famous Honesty Bookshop, where you can enjoy a unique experience sampling delicious street food in an attractive walled garden alongside the castle.
Craft Fair
Castle Lawn | Saturday 24–Monday 26 May 10am–6pm
The castle lawn will become the home of more than 30 skilled makers. Visitors will see some familiar faces and hopefully some new ones too. Featuring textiles, leather, ceramics, jewellery, wood, basket ware, and much more.
Outdoor activities
Visit a farm, trek with a local guide or fill your flask and settle in for the Festival All Stars cricket match. View the programme to book tickets.
Quiet space at Salem Chapel
Relax, contemplate or read in a quiet space in this beautifully restored historic chapel in the centre of Hay. Also serving simple, fresh vegetarian food and coffee, with yoga classes running throughout the week. Visit wyevalleyiyengaryoga.com.
Tourist info
The Hay-on-Wye website is a good source of local information – visit hay-on-wye.co.uk. And local tourist information centres are a great place to ask about things to do in the local area. Pick up a Hay Town Guide at the Tourist Information Bureau on Oxford Road.
Hay-on-Wye 01497 820 144
Talgarth 01874 712 226
Brecon 01874 620 860
Crickhowell 01873 811 970
Hereford 01432 383 837
Kington 01544 230 778