Hay Festival 2025 Guide: When & What Is Hay Festival?

The Hay Festival was founded in 1988 as a small event in a pub garden. It has now grown into a world-renowned literary and intellectual festival. The 2025 Hay Festival will be held from Thursday, May 22, to Sunday, June 1, in the small town of Hay-on-Wye on the banks of the River Wye in Powys, Wales.

This blog contains almost all the information about the 2025 Hay Festival event. Whether you are a curious first-timer or an experienced regular, this blog will help you have a great Hay Festival experience.     

What Is Hay Festival? 

Hay Festival is one of the world's most famous and largest literary and art festivals. The festival focuses on literature, inviting writers to publish their works and holding lectures, debates, and book signings. Therefore, it yearns for readers, writers, and anyone who loves good literature.

Origin of the Hay Festival

More than thirty years ago, Florence and her family sat around the kitchen table and conceived the first Hay Festival. At that time, British literary festivals were primarily concentrated in big cities such as London. Florence wanted to build a purer and more interactive communication platform for writers and readers so that literature could return to "dialogue between people". Therefore, he created a space where people could get together, discuss ideas, and celebrate all literature-related things. The first Hay Festival, held in 1988, was smaller in scale and mainly invited writers, poets, and thinkers to give speeches and discussions.

Development of the Hay Festival

Due to the enthusiastic response to the first Hay Festival in 1988, the literary festival gradually expanded in scale and attracted more internationally renowned writers, musicians and thinkers to participate. It has since grown into one of the world's most iconic literary festivals, with pop-up festivals from Colombia (Hay Festival Cartagena in 2006) to Spain (Hay Festival Segovia in 2006). As the Hay Festival has grown, it has also included music, comedy, performances, and other exciting pop-up events.

When and Where Will the Hay Festival Be Held in 2025? 

The 2025 Hay Festival will be held in Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border in the UK. This small town on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales has a population of only 1,500 people and is known as the "world's premier book city" because of its many second-hand bookstores. This unique cultural atmosphere provides the soil for the birth of the Hay Festival. The Hay Festival will be held in the 11-acre Dairy Meadows venue (a tent village), with stages, cafes, bookstores, bars and leisure areas.

The 2025 Hay Festival will be the 38th and will last for 11 days, from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, June 1, 2025. Over 600 events will be held during the Hay Festival, including writer lectures, panel discussions, debates, readings and performances. By then, the small town of Hay-on-Wye will bring together writers, thinkers and performers to make it an essential platform for exchanging knowledge and creativity, bringing an immersive cultural experience to the audience.

What Will Be the Highlights of the Hay Festival in 2025?

In 2025, the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, will bring together literature, art and culture with a wide range of speakers, seminars and exciting events. Whether you are passionate about bestselling novels, current affairs, musical performances or love literature, you can find something exciting here. Here are some highlights of the events that will be held at the Hay Festival in 2025:

Author Talks

Every year, the Hay Festival almost always invites bestselling authors, cross-disciplinary creators, poets, non-fiction writers, etc. For example, this year's Hay Festival will likely see literary giants such as Elif Shafak, Jojo Moyes, Jacqueline Wilson, and Matt Haig. In addition to famous writers, the Hay Festival will also discover the works of potential newcomers, mainly focusing on narratives of multicultural and marginalised groups.

New book launches, Q&A sessions, and readings of various literary works will occur. The audience will first have the opportunity to experience and interact with the latest works of many writers.

Politics and Current Affairs

During the Hay Festival, international politicians, diplomats, social activists, etc., are invited to analyse hot topics such as geopolitics, economic policies, climate crisis, and sustainable development. For example, at this year's Hay Festival, speakers such as Alistair Campbell and Led by Donkeys will discuss hot issues such as the climate crisis, the media, and democracy. In addition, some well-known journalists and commentators will also analyse the truth and public opinion manipulation in the information age and explore media responsibility and innovative paths.

Music and Performances

In the tent group of the Hay Festival, you may enjoy intimate live performances, such as Billy Ocean's performance. In addition, you may also see some spoken word sessions, evening performances, and small concerts by local Welsh bands or folk singers. You can even see some poets and musicians improvise and perform drama clips adapted from famous works.

Seminars and Panel Discussions

During the Hay Festival, from creative writing masterclasses to industry panels and illustrators' activities, you can immerse yourself in them and get inspired. The practical courses guided by well-known writers are creative writing workshops carefully prepared for you. For example, with the guidance of a writing expert, you are likely to get inspiration and finish an article you have been unfinished. In addition, local topics such as Welsh culture and language protection will be actively discussed even in the small town of Hay-on-Wye.

Family Activities

If you bring your children, don't worry about them being bored. Hay Festival has prepared many activities for young readers, including bird-watching walks, handicrafts, picture book story sessions, drama performances, and various daily activities. For example, children over four can experience the Kitchen Garden Pizza Workshop at 4 pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Free Activities

In addition to the above wonderful activities, the 2025 Hay Festival offers free activities for the audience to participate in actively without financial burden. This year's free activities include BBC radio, short film screenings, choirs, etc. For example, you can enjoy the popular music from the Hay Community Choir for free from 2:05 pm to 2:25 pm on Monday, May 26, 2025.

How to Buy Tickets for the 2025 Hay Festival?

The Hay Festival requires no ticket, but some events require one. Therefore, you only need to buy tickets for the events you are interested in.

Tickets for the events at the Hay Festival range from free to £120. Tickets for the paid events start at £5, but some events are free to try. Tickets for the Hay Festival went on sale at noon on Friday, March 14. Here are a few ways to buy tickets for the 2025 Hay Festival:

Book Online

You can browse and book tickets for the events you are interested in at the Hay Festival online. If you choose to book online, you will be charged a booking fee (5% of the amount of each order). However, the minimum booking fee is £3.50, and the maximum is £10.

Example: If you buy a ticket for Event 4 (Price: £15.00), you will pay £18.50.

Booking by Phone

You can also buy tickets by calling the Box Office (01497 822 629). Please remember that you can only book tickets by phone during the Box Office opening hours (9.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday). However, you must provide the Box Office with the event number (e.g. Event 4) and your credit or debit card. As with online bookings, bookings made by phone are subject to a booking fee (5% of the order value).

Example: If you buy 10 tickets for Event 4 (Price: £15.00), you will pay £157.50.

Buy in Person

You can also book online and over the phone. You can buy tickets in person at the Hay Festival Box Office, 25 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AD. However, starting Thursday, May 22, 2025, you must buy your ticket for the Hay Festival on-site at Brecon Road, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5PJ. Best of all, if your wife buys the ticket, there will be no additional booking fee.

How to Get to the 2025 Hay Festival?

If you want to attend or watch any of the events at the Hay Festival, you first need to know where the venue is. The location of the 2025 Hay Festival is Dairy Meadows, Brecon Rd, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, HR3 5PJ. During the Hay Festival, the town of Hay-on-Wye is signposted.

Here are a few ways to get to the 2025 Hay Festival venue:

Bus

During the Hay Festival, a bus service will run between Worcester, Hereford and Hay-on-Wye. In Hay-on-Wye, you only need to walk 10 minutes from the bus stop to the Hay Festival site. Ticket prices from Hereford to Hay are as follows:

Children under 15 can travel free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

Regular buses (route T14) run from Hereford and Brecon to Hay-on-Wye six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

Regular buses (timetables) run between the Hay Festival and Hay-on-Wye town centre. Pick-up and drop-off points are at the town's festival entrance and Oxford Road car park. A full-day adult ticket is £5, while children under 15 travel free.

Trains

The nearest train station to Hay-on-Wye is Hereford, 21 miles (34 km) away. Hereford station has regular trains, such as the Great Western Railway (GWR) from London Paddington, Reading and Oxford.

There are also regular direct festival buses from Hereford station to Hay-on-Wye and the Hay Festival. For more information, call 03457 48 49 50 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Drive

Hay-on-Wye is located on the A438 between Brecon and Hereford and is well-signposted during the Hay Festival, making it easy for drivers to get there. If you plan to drive, please check the parking information at the Hay Festival site in advance and book a parking space.

In addition, there are four fast electric charging points at Oxford Road Car Park in Hay-on-Wye town centre, charging points at Baskerville House, a five-minute drive from Hay-on-Wye, and the Whitney InstaVolt site, 8 miles from Hay-on-Wye.

Local Taxis

Although taxis are more expensive, they are also a very convenient and flexible means of transportation. Here are several local trusted taxis and their contact information:

Top Tips for Attending the 2025 Hay Festival

As a world-renowned feast of ideas and culture, the 2025 Hay Festival will bring together big names in literature, art, technology and other fields to bring immersive inspiration to participants. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of this event:

Tip 1: Book Your Tickets in Advance

Many events at the Hay Festival each year, especially those that invite well-known speakers, sell out quickly. Therefore, please book tickets for the Hay Festival events you are interested in as much as possible. Some free events may require advance registration.

Tip 2: Book Accommodation

Accommodation in Hay-on-Wye is limited, so book your hotel, B&B, or camping site as early as possible. Fortunately, Hay-on-Wye and its surrounding areas offer excellent B&Bs, hotels, cottages, and camping sites. For example, Find Me a Bed is the official accommodation service provided by the Hay Festival.

Tip 3: Hay Festival Packing List

If you want to spend a comfortable and relaxing Hay Festival, then pack the items you need in advance. Here is a basic packing list for the Hay Festival for reference only:

However, please note that the weather in Wales at the end of May is unpredictable, so it is a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and light rain gear. If you are involved in outdoor activities, you can bring folding chairs, mosquito spray, etc.

Tip 4: Plan Your Schedule Reasonably

Seats at the Hay Festival are not pre-assigned when you buy tickets unless you purchase a premium ticket package (skip the queue and reserve seats in the first three rows). If you buy a popular session, please queue up 15-30 minutes in advance to grab a front-row seat or interactive opportunities. If you want to attend multiple events, please arrange them reasonably according to the official event schedule, and it is best to reserve buffer time to deal with unexpected adjustments.

Tip 5: Safety First

Due to the overcrowding during the Hay Festival, keeping valuables safe, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash, mobile phones, wallets, etc., in crowded areas is essential. In addition, be aware of emergencies, such as knowing the location of medical points and security personnel during the Hay Festival in advance and saving emergency contact information.

Tip 6: Pay Attention to Environmental Protection

To reduce carbon emissions, use public transportation or carpooling when travelling between the venue and accommodation during the Hay Festival. Some small things can also reflect the environmental awareness of cultural participants, such as bringing a water cup to reduce plastic consumption. In addition, comply with the garbage classification regulations at the Hay Festival venue and dispose of the generated garbage according to the rules.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hay Festival

Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, UK, is a large and vibrant literary and arts festival that attracts numerous visitors and participants. Festival-goers often carry smartphones, tablets, cameras, and e-readers to capture memories, stay connected, and enjoy digital content. Jackery Portable Power Station can charge these devices throughout the day, especially when access to mains power is limited at the festival grounds.

Some attendees might bring portable fans for warmer days, travel kettles for a quick hot drink, or even small projectors for impromptu gatherings in their accommodation. A Jackery can supply the necessary power for these low-wattage devices.

Vendors or exhibitors with small setups might need to power lights, card readers, or small demonstration equipment. A Jackery offers a clean and quiet power solution without noisy generators. We recommend Jackery Explorer 100 Plus and 300 Plus for individual use.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery that endures 2,000 cycles while maintaining 80% of its capacity. Weighing only 965 grammes, it offers portable power conveniently within your grasp. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, perfect for events or outdoor adventures.

Enough Power for Event: The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station with a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100W Dual PD Output and one USB-A output. For example, you can charge your phone while powering the portable speaker, camera, or tablet.

Various Recharging Methods: MPPT technology guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete DC input requires 1.8 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 100W solar panel necessitates 2 hours. Jackery provides comprehensive solutions for all scenarios, including car charging and alternative charging methods.          

Durability & Reliability: The Explorer 100 Plus features a resilient LFP (LiFePO4) battery, enhanced by a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) that provides additional protection. After 2,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 80% capacity, guaranteeing an outstanding 8-year longevity, even with daily charging.   

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power source with a 288wh capacity that fulfils energy requirements for diverse scenarios, including events like the Hay Festival.  

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Multiple Outputs to Charge Devices: The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and a capacity 288Wh. Its 1 AC, 1 USB-A, and 1 USB-C output can charge four devices simultaneously, making it quick and easy to charge multiple appliances.

Superior Safety Technology: This power station features a distinctive Battery Management System (BMS). The gadget incorporates 52 safety measures and 12 BMS algorithms that collaboratively provide the utmost safety for both the device and any connected appliances. It includes four types of physical security to guarantee the safety of all individuals.

Compact and Innovative Power Supply: This model is distinguished by its sophisticated app control feature, which enables users to manage the battery efficiently via WiFi or Bluetooth. This renders it more contemporary and user-friendly. Weighing merely 8.27 pounds, it is an exceptional option for individuals frequently engaged in outdoor adventures.

Hay Festival FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Hay Festival in the UK:

1. What are the dates for the Hay Festival 2025?

The full schedule for the 2025 Hay Festival has been announced. It will last eleven days, from May 22 to June 1, 2025.

2. What happens at the Hay Festival?

During this year's Hay Festival, you will have the opportunity to experience more than 600 events, including Q&As with cabinet ministers, Q&As with Nobel Prize winners, in-depth interviews with global bestselling authors, and close encounters with Hollywood stars. In addition, there are all kinds of music and comedy performances.

3. Can you turn up at the Hay Festival?

Yes, because the Hay Festival itself does not require tickets. There are a few free events during the Hay Festival, but the number of free events is limited and must be booked in advance. However, most of the events during the Hay Festival require tickets, and some popular events even require advance ticket booking.

4. What can you do during the 2025 Hay Festival?

In addition to participating in the Hay Festival, you can also experience the following interesting things in Hay-on-Wye:

Visit a Bookstore (The Poetry Bookshop, North Books, and Gay on Wye)

Visit Hay Market

Experience Canoeing on the River Wye

Hike the Brecon Beacons

Paraglide off the top of Hay Bluff

Final Thoughts

In short, the 2025 Hay Festival will be as exciting as ever, attracting audiences worldwide. The Hay Festival covers over 600 events, including writer lectures, panel discussions, debates, readings and performances, making it an essential platform for exchanging knowledge and creativity.

The highlights of the 2025 Hay Festival are expected to continue its tradition, integrating diverse content such as literature, art, politics and global issues. Therefore, today's Hay Festival is a grand event for literary lovers and a vital festival to promote worldwide dialogue and creative thinking.