About this Event
Hay Festival, the world-renowned Festival of Literature & Arts, was founded in 1988 in Hay-on-Wye, Wales — the world’s first book town. The 2027 edition marks its 40th anniversary, bringing readers and writers together for 11 days of talks, debates, readings, music, comedy and family events, launching the best new books while exploring big global ideas.
Date & Time
27 May–6 June, 2027. Hay Festival 2027 takes place from Thursday, May 27 to Sunday, June 6, 2027, with events running throughout each day across the festival site. Check the official programme for individual event start times.
Explore Local Experiences
Venue & Location
Dairy Meadows, Brecon Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5PJ, Wales, UK — a tented festival village on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, a short walk from Hay-on-Wye town centre and its famous bookshops.
Staying overnight?
Check the nearest hotel near the venue.
Full Programme
The 2027 full programme and artist lineup have not yet been published.
For official information, please visit the Hay Festival official website (https://www.hayfestival.com/hay-on-wye/home/).
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your visit.
When is Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye 2027?
Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye 2027 runs from Thursday, May 27 to Sunday, June 6, 2027. It is the festival’s 40th anniversary edition, with 11 days of events in Hay-on-Wye, Wales.
Where is Hay Festival held?
The festival takes place at Dairy Meadows, Brecon Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5PJ, on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The tented village is a short walk from the town centre, so visitors can easily combine festival events with Hay-on-Wye’s famous bookshops.
What kind of events are in the Hay Festival programme?
The programme features more than 600 talks, conversations, debates, readings, performances and workshops. It ranges across literature, current affairs, science, comedy, music, film and the arts, plus dedicated events for children, families and schools.
How do tickets and booking work for Hay Festival?
Members enjoy priority booking before general release, so joining as a member is the best way to secure popular events early. Tickets are sold per event through the official Hay Festival website, and the full programme is published before general booking opens. Book early for headline authors, as many sessions sell out.
Is Hay Festival suitable for families and first-time visitors?
Yes, Hay Festival is designed for all ages, with family-friendly shows, children’s authors and creative workshops alongside adult talks and evening entertainment. First-time visitors should plan a mix of big-name talks and smaller discoveries, leave time to explore Hay-on-Wye’s bookshops, and wear comfortable shoes for walking between venues and town.
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