Hay-On-Wye Festival 21 May - 31 May 2026
One of the world’s biggest and best literary festivals happens every year in “the town of books” Hay-on-Wye.
Dreamed up around a kitchen table over 39 years ago, the first Hay Festival was held in the modest surroundings of a pub garden. These days it attracts 100,000-plus visitors over 11 days to engage with the world’s great writers, poets, philosophers, historians, scientists, comedians and musicians. It’s moved to a large tented village on the outskirts of town with stages, pop-up cafes, shops and restaurants.
Between sessions, visitors can relax in deckchairs on the village green, browse the stalls and visit the Festival bookshop, stocking 55,000 titles by visiting speakers. Evenings are devoted to music, comedy and film for all ages.
Entry to the festival site is free: you just buy tickets for the events you fancy. Booking is open now at Hay Festival website, or call the box office on 01497 822 629.
Visit the Hay Festival Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X pages.
How to get there
Festival buses run to and from the nearest railway station at Hereford, 21 miles away (34 km). Traveline Cymru has timetables for the regular bus services from Hereford and Merthyr Tydfil.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Hay Festival website or ring 01497 822629.
Post-event
| Buy Before You BoardYou must buy your ticket before getting on the train. To save time later, buy a return ticket on your way in. You can also buy your ticket on the TfW app or website tfw.wales. Revenue Protection Inspectors will be doing ticket checks before and after the event. |
| Public safetyAnyone under the influence of alcohol who is considered a threat to their own or public safety will be refused travel. |
| Anyone who uses abusive language or threatening behaviour towards our customers or colleagues will also be refused travel. |
Keeping our customers safe during events
Major events can result in more people than usual using our services. We’ll take extra steps to keep our customers travelling safely and reliably.
