About

Hay Festival Winter Weekend is an annual mini-festival taking place just before Christmas in Hay-on-Wye. Events take place at venues around the town, and include a wide range of author events, music, comedy and performance, as well as workshops for kids and Christmas shopping.

Over four days, more than 70 artists take part in over 60 events in Hay Castle and venues all over our book town, launching the best new fiction and non-fiction, engaging with some of the biggest issues of our time, and spreading festive joy with conversations, candle-lit storytelling, film screenings, comedy and workshops. Explore the full programme of events now

The town’s atmospheric market square is a focus of festivities: On the Friday, the Hay Christmas lights are turned on, transforming the town into a winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer, accompanied by carol singing, readings and evening entertainment.

On the Saturday, Hay Food Festival celebrates all that’s good about winter cooking, with over 50 stalls showcasing the very best of local produce, from savoury to sweet.

On the Sunday, Hay Does Vintage transforms the square into a festive outdoor fleamarket with over 50 vintage and retro traders offering a diverse collection of items from clothes, textiles and jewellery, to furniture, collectables, and kitchenalia.