The Hay Festival

It's worth a visit even if you don't book sessions as there are stalls and a bookshop. The Food Court is not cheap, so plan accordingly and consider eating in town. There is wheelchair access to most parts, including Changing Places" toilets in 2023. BBC events were free and very good."

We went here to watch the Levellers play on the Baillie Gifford Stage. We had a choice of seats & ended up in the centre of the front row which was amazing. The festival staff were really helpful & friendly. We had a look around the festival before the gig. Everything is undercover & the walkways are carpeted. As expected most of the festival was book related with plenty of literature on sale plus a few stalls selling artisan products such as gin, artwork etc. Nice, clean toilets in portacabins (although there only appeared to be one lot so remember to go before a performance). Several bars & food outlets dotted about the festival. We had drinks before the gig & it was good to have them in reuseable cups (£1 charge). We had a great time at the gig but the festival as a whole wasn't really our thing.

Lovely busy festival of books. A huge bookshop. My only problem was wanting to go to things on different days and only really being able to go once! Lovely town to walk to, also full of bookshops. Loads of people attending lots of events but well organised, a variety of food choices and free water stations, very much appreciated on what was a baking hot day.

Just WOW! My first time at Hay and absolutely loved it! It helped that the weather was glorious although the festival itself is set up for any weather!We weren't staying on site and had not at all thought about logistics of talks we'd chosen to go to across the 8 of us (aged 8-60 something) but the Macmillan Car Park was £8 and allowed re-entry which was mega helpful for us as its right by the site entrance too! (only downside was if you finished at 9.30pm exit from tbe car park is mega slow- be prepared to wait!)Festival itself is a beautiful set up. Amazing queuing system. Lovely outdoor areas. Helpful and friendly staff. Clean toilets. INCREDIBLE street food and ice cream. Loved the make and take tent! (which you now have to book FYI). And most importantly, INCREDIBLE authors whose talks were amazing!What better place for a literary festival than in 10 min walking distance of the centre of the gorgeous Hay On Wye book town itself? Just fabulous! Also love the quiet buzz but stillness of the outdoor sections of deckchairs with people lounging about reading!

My first visit, blew my mind, didn't want to leave can't wait for next year!

Biggest literacy festival with plenty of stages and entertainment. Stalls and food hall. Worth prebooking your car parking and taking a wander around the town whilst there, a short walk but beautiful little town. You can pre book or risk turning up. Plenty of books and authors.

Always a great atmosphere at THE literary festival of the year. Always plenty of parking solutions available including Park and Ride. The venue is a tented village connected by carpeted, covered walkways so the Welsh weather is kept at bay. Well organised, safe and friendly, the festival staff are smiley happy people and ever willing to offer assistance.Some excellent authors (and others) talking about their work and inspiration and always the chance to bump into them. Come away on a real feelgood cloud every time.

First time at the Hay Festival. What a treat for book lovers! Don't worry about parking, plenty available including a park an ride service. Fabulous weather and a great atmosphere. What's not to like!

The Hay Literary Festival happens over 10 days starting on the Thursday before the late May bank holiday weekend. Possibly one of the better known festivals with it’s ability to attract big names from all parts of the world. There are 7 main stages seating from 1700 to 50 people covering a wide range of subjects. It is very tiring so do not book too many events each day as there is only a 30 minute break between each one and area such as toilets and food concessions become very crowded.