Hay Festival 2019
Hay-on-Wye has long been a favourite place to visit. My first trip was for the books, and as years have passed, I have explored more widely. The walks, the scenery, the eateries, and the eclectic range of people all draw me back, time after time. I wrote last year about my camera free holiday in Hay. This year, we planned our visit to coincide with the Hay Festival and the May bank holiday. The Hay Festival has now joined my list of reasons to love Hay-on-Wye.
The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts is an annual event, which runs over 10 days towards the end of May and sometimes into June. Speaking at the festival in 2001, Bill Clinton referred to the event as ‘The Woodstock of the Mind’. However it is described, there really is something at the festival for all minds and ages.
From the forest school area at the site entrance, to the book pavilion at the heart of the festival, we were captivated. We’d arranged to attend a few talks, but the rest of the time was ours to explore. Our son was too young to join the children’s activities this year, but we hope to return and involve him in the craft sessions in future. He was, however, entranced by the large theatre halls in which we listened to stories and anecdotes of, among others, Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, and Chris Riddell.
As a festival, the layout was not what I expected. Fully covered walkways, open green areas, theatre style lecture halls, clean cloakroom (and changing) facilities, and plenty of spaces to sit and absorb the atmosphere, all contributed to making it a very comfortable venue. It was busy, but there was room for everybody.
When not at the festival, there was plenty to keep us occupied in town. Book shops (of course), street stalls, live music, walks along the river, and many photograph opportunities. For a relaxing family break, and a cultural festival experience, you need look no further. Hay-on-Wye, thank you. We will be back.
Useful to know:
- Entry to the festival is free, you pay only for the sessions you attend
- There is plenty of car parking between Hay and the festival site, some of which can be booked in advance. Or park in town and take the shuttle bus to and from the festival (around a 5-10 minute journey).
- The festival is all on one level, so is easily accessible
- There is food for all (including vegan options – even ice cream!)
- There are cloakrooms and baby changing facilities
- Drinking water standpipes are distributed around the festival site, so it’s worth taking a refillable bottle rather than buying water there
- No dogs other than assistance dogs; but Hay itself is very dog friendly if you’re not going to the festival!
- Sign up for news about the festival here: Hay Festival
Sounds like you all had a great time Em. You could be an ambassador for the festival, you described it all so well. I would be in my element too as I love books, having worked in libraries for 26 years. We went long ago to Hay and Ross on Wye but I can’t remember much about them now. I have vivid memories of Symonds Yat and the fantastic views. Thank you for sharing your lovely time with me.
E x
Thank you for reading, Eileen. I’m sure you’d enjoy the festival. We met some lovely people there, and were spoilt for choice when it came to book titles and presentations! E x