Hay Festival 2027: dates and guide to Hay-on-Wye

Le Hay Festival 2027 will be held from Thursday, May 27 to Sunday, June 6, 2027 in Hay-on-Wye, a small town in Wales nicknamed "the town of books." For its 40th edition, this major literary festival will bring together writers, scientists, artists, and personalities from all over the world. It's the perfect opportunity to discover Wales in the spring.

In short: The Hay Festival 2027 takes place from May 27 to June 6, 2027, in Hay-on-Wye, on the border between Wales and England. It features hundreds of talks and conferences, mostly in English. Book your tickets as soon as the program is released and your accommodation well in advance, as the town is small.

Hay Festival 2027: dates and program

• Dates : from Thursday, May 27 to Sunday, June 6, 2027.
• Place Hay-on-Wye, in Powys, Wales.
• Edition : the 40th anniversary, an anniversary not to be missed.
• Program : meetings with authors, debates, concerts, workshops for children and shows.

The full program is published a few weeks before the event on the official website of the Hay Festival. Consult it to book your favorite matches.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Hay Festival 2027: dates and guide to Hay-on-Wye "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

What appeals to you the most?

The atmosphere and the showHistory and traditions

Question 2 of 5

Once there, you are more like…

At the heart of the actionObserve and take photos

Question 3 of 5

You like arriving…

A little early, no stressJust in time to begin

Question 4 of 5

For the organization, you prefer…

Plan everything in advanceMaintain some flexibility

Question 5 of 5

Ultimately, what you really want is…

It was a feast for the eyes.To have truly understood the event

Hay-on-Wye, the city of books

Even before the festival, Hay-on-Wye is famous for its many secondhand bookshops. This small town of a few thousand inhabitants boasts around twenty of them, some located in unusual places. Strolling through its narrow streets is a true pleasure for all lovers of old books.

How do I get tickets?

Each event requires its own ticket. The most anticipated events, featuring well-known authors, sell out quickly. We therefore recommend booking as soon as the program is released. However, access to the festival grounds, with its cafes and bookstore, is often free, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere without a ticket.

Where to stay during the Hay Festival?

Hay-on-Wye has limited accommodation options, which are in high demand during the festival, so book several months in advance. Alternatively, stay in the nearby villages of Brecon or in a cottage in the Brecon Beacons, a 30-minute drive away. It's also a great opportunity to explore the Welsh countryside.

What to do around the festival?

The region offers magnificent scenery. Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog) is nearby, ideal for hiking. Then, extend your stay towards Cardiff, then northwards and the Snowdonia Park. For an overview, see our guide. What to see in Wales.

Prefer a ready-made tour? Discover our 5-day tour of Wales or our trip Castles, legends and landscapes of North Wales.

Our tips for enjoying the Hay Festival

• Book your key events as soon as the program is released.
• Pack rain gear: at the end of May, the weather in Wales remains changeable.
• Leave some free time for the city's second-hand bookstores.
• Bring the family: the festival offers a program dedicated to children, called HAYDAYS.
• Combine the festival with a road trip in Wales or the Cotswolds.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hay Festival 2027

When will the Hay Festival 2027 take place?

From Thursday, May 27 to Sunday, June 6, 2027, in Hay-on-Wye.

Do we need to speak English?

Yes, most of the meetings are conducted in English. However, the city's atmosphere and bookstores are worth a visit, even with a basic level of English.

How to get to Hay-on-Wye?

Driving remains the most practical option. From London, the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, the nearest train station is Hereford, from where you'll need to take a bus or taxi. For more advice, read our guide for organizing a trip to Wales.

Plan your stay at the Hay Festival with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, our team organizes your stay in Wales around the Hay Festival: early booking of accommodation, car rental, and a scenic route through the Welsh countryside. Discover our tailor-made holidays in Wales.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip