Hay Festival Winter Weekend brings writers and readers together for a year-end wonderland of in-person events, 23–26 November.
Over four days, more than 70 acclaimed writers and performers take part in over 60 events, launching the best new fiction and non-fiction, offering creative solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time, and spreading festive joy in conversations, candle-lit storytelling, comedy, music, and workshops.
Now in its 24th year, events will take place in a new 350-seater marquee in the grounds of Hay Castle, tripling the event’s previous capacity. Additional events will also take place in the Castle’s Clore space, plus venues around town, including St Mary’s Church and The Poetry Bookshop.
For audiences unable to attend in person, the Festival’s commitment to digital accessibility will also continue with selected sessions available to live-stream remotely with an Online Festival Pass.
Hay Festival CEO Julie Finch said: “Ideas sparkle at Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2023 as we mark the season’s change with bold new visions for the future and a heady dose of entertainment and joy. With a new home in the centre of Hay-on-Wye in the grounds of Hay Castle, we have tripled the capacity of this year’s event, offering access to more Festivalgoers than ever, live and online. Join us!”
More intimate than the spring edition, Hay Festival Winter Weekend sees the Welsh booktown’s independent shops, cafés and attractions offer a warm welcome to Festivalgoers within the stunning surrounds of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Hay Castle executive director Tom True said: “Hay Castle is a beacon of arts, literature, and learning at the heart of our special town. We’re proud to work with Hay Festival Foundation and to host an expanded programme of exciting events at this historic site.”
Hay Chamber of Commerce chair Josh Boyd Green said: “Hay Festival Winter Weekend is a wonderful event that brings people to Hay at a quiet time of year. It marks the start of the festive season in our booktown and is a real boon to our businesses. For me it is my favourite weekend of the year.”
Explore the full programme, out now, at hayfestival.org/winter-weekend with priority booking open to Friends of Hay Festival for three days. General booking opens at noon this Friday 29 September.
