Hay Festival is one of the world’s most celebrated literature and arts festivals, held every year in the market town of Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales — famously known as the “town of books” because of its many independent bookshops and literary heritage.
In 2026, the Hay Festival will take place from Thursday 21 May to Sunday 31 May. Over these 11 days, the festival showcases a rich programme of more than 600 events, including talks, debates, readings, workshops, performances, comedy and music, all centred around literature, ideas, culture and creativity.
The festival is set on Dairy Meadows on Brecon Road — a short walk from the centre of Hay-on-Wye — and brings authors, thinkers, artists and audiences from across the world together in a vibrant celebration of ideas and storytelling. Events range from intimate author conversations and poetry sessions to large-scale debates and evening performances.
Tickets are sold per event, and while entry to the festival site itself is free, you normally need to book individual tickets for the sessions you want to attend. Events start from early morning and continue throughout the day, so many visitors plan their schedules carefully to catch favourite speakers or performances.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature a dynamic mix of established literary stars, emerging voices, thinkers and performers, offering something for fans of books, ideas, culture and lively discussion. Earlybird events are already on sale, giving a preview of what’s to come when the full programme launches closer to the festival dates.
