One of the world's largest and most celebrated literary festivals takes place each year in late spring in the small border town of Hay-on-Wye (Y Gelli Gandryll).
Founded more than 30 years ago by the Florence family around their kitchen table, the inaugural Hay Festival was held in the simple setting of a pub garden. Since then, it has grown into a major international event, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors over 11 days. Attendees come to hear from leading writers, poets, philosophers, historians, scientists, comedians, and musicians from around the world.
The festival is now hosted in a spacious tented village on the edge of the town, featuring 10 venues alongside pop-up cafés, bookshops, restaurants, and market stalls. Between events, visitors can unwind in deckchairs on the village green, browse the various stands, and explore the festival bookshop, which carries around 55,000 titles by featured speakers.
As the day draws to a close, the programme continues with an exciting mix of music, comedy, and film performances.