Winter Wisdom and Wonder: Hay Festival Winter Weekend Returns to Warm the Welsh Soul
As the nights draw in and the hills surrounding Hay-on-Wye take on their winter hues, one of Wales' most cherished cultural gatherings is preparing to light up the season once again. The Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2026, running from 26 to 29 November in the grounds of Hay Castle, promises four days of inspiring conversation, unforgettable performances, festive storytelling and intellectual adventure.
Set in the heart of Britain's original book town, this year's programme brings together more than 60 writers, artists, thinkers, musicians and cultural changemakers, creating a rich tapestry of ideas that reflects the complexity, curiosity and creativity of contemporary life.
"Hay Festival Winter Weekend offers us an opportunity to gather around stories with warmth, humour and generosity and reflect on the rapidly changing world around us in an intimate, cosy setting," says Julie Finch, CEO of Hay Festival Global.
For audiences across Wales, the festival presents a rare opportunity to experience world-class cultural conversations without leaving the nation's borders. The line-up ranges from bestselling novelist Kate Mosse and acclaimed historian David Olusoga to Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Welsh writers Owen Sheers and Alex Wharton, actor Lucian Msamati, comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean, broadcaster Greg James and singer-songwriter David Gray.
Yet Winter Weekend is far more than a literary festival. It is a celebration of culture in its broadest sense.
This year's programme explores history, politics, nature, music, food, memory and identity. Visitors can delve into the legacy of the Bayeux Tapestry with British Museum curators, examine the global challenges shaping today's headlines, revisit the tragedy of Aberfan through poetry and graphic storytelling, or discover the restorative joys of fossil hunting, pottery and seasonal cooking.
Welsh stories shine particularly brightly. Alex Wharton, the current Children's Laureate Wales, presents Bright Lives: Poetry Celebrating Historical Black Figures in Wales, while Owen Sheers helps commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster in a powerful exploration of memory and remembrance. Broadcaster Will Millard also uncovers the fascinating story behind Britain's maps, adding a strong sense of place to the festival's offerings.
Nature and the environment form another compelling strand. Conversations featuring Caroline Quentin, Kate Humble and environmental journalists examine the relationship between people and landscape, while conservationist Mary Colwell joins David Gray for a unique evening of music, conversation and reflection inspired by the natural world.
As ever, winter festivities are woven throughout the programme. A literary reimagining of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, children's events featuring Secret Santa creators Greg James and Chris Smith, and the town's Christmas lights switch-on create a seasonal atmosphere unlike any other cultural event in Wales.
Music lovers will find plenty to savour, from classical performances and brass band concerts to a special screening of The Phantom of the Opera accompanied live by organist
What makes Winter Weekend particularly special is its scale. Unlike larger summer festivals, the intimate setting of Hay Castle allows meaningful encounters with writers and performers. Conversations continue beyond the venue in bookshops, cafés and independent businesses throughout Hay-on-Wye, creating a uniquely immersive cultural experience.
As Wales continues to establish itself as a destination for world-class arts and cultural events, the Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2026 demonstrates the enduring power of gathering together to share stories, exchange ideas and celebrate creativity in all its forms. In a season often associated with reflection, it offers audiences the chance to pause, think, laugh and be inspired.
This November, Wales' book town once again invites us all to step out of the cold and into a world of imagination.
Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2026 takes place 26-29 November at Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye. Selected events will also be available through the festival's online pass.
