2027 marks the Hay Festival's 40th Anniversary.
The Hay Festival is one of the world's most renowned literature and arts festivals, held annually in the market town of Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales - famously known as the "town of books" due to its numerous independent bookshops and literary heritage.
The festival is located at Dairy Meadows on Brecon Road - a short walk from the centre of Hay-on-Wye - and brings together authors, thinkers, artists, and audiences from all over the world in a vibrant celebration of ideas and storytelling. Events range from intimate talks with authors and poetry sessions to large-scale debates and evening performances.
Tickets are sold on a per-event basis; while entry to the festival site itself is free, you generally need to book individual tickets for the sessions you wish to attend. Events begin early in the morning and continue throughout the day, so many visitors carefully plan their schedules to catch their favourite speakers or performances.
The 2027 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 debate. Early-release events are already on sale, providing a preview of what to expect when the full programme launches closer to the festival dates.
