Early Years Project

A new Programme for Schools Day at Hay Festival Winter Weekend was established in 2025 thanks to a grant from the Hodge Foundation. Students from Blaenau Gwent KS1 and Early Years Foundation Studies pupils participated in a series of specially curated events in the grounds of Hay Castle, and some of the events were livestreamed, extending the reach of Winter Weekend events to young children across the UK.

These new free Programme for Schools events opened Hay Festival Winter Weekend on Wednesday 26 November 2025 (KS1) and Thursday 27 November 2025 (EYFS) with creative workshops delivered by Rob Biddulph, Simon Mole and Gecko and Candy Gourlay.

A further three-year grant from the Moondance Foundation will ensure the project’s continuation in 2026–2028, which will provide over 1,000 children aged 5-7 from schools across Wales with the opportunity to attend a series of specially curated events and activities. For many children, the project represents their first exposure to a cultural event, significantly broadening their creative horizons and ambitions, and igniting an interest in reading.

To find out more about this project please email schools@hayfestival.com.