Hay Festival Experience

My Personal Experience of The Hay Festival

I have been avidly attending The Hay Festival, in the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye, for fourteen years.  I am, like a moth to light, so drawn to it.

There have been years when it has rained so much that cars have had to be pulled from fields that were used as car parks but, even this did not detract from the enjoyment. Before I put you off, a successful park and ride service is now provided for wet weather where you leave the car on tarmac and take the shuttle bus the short distance.   Other years, the sun has shone and everyone sits around on the grass, reading, eating and talking while waiting for their booked event.  There is simply nothing like this atmosphere that I can liken it to.

I recommend booking your tickets in advance by looking online as they sell out quickly: https://www.hayfestival.com/wales/index.aspx?skinid=2&currencysetting=GBP&localesetting=en-GB&resetfilters=true

A view of the town of Hay from one of the many walks around it

The marquees used for the events are huge with plenty of seating.
The stage is lit and, to ensure everyone has a good experience, there are large screens to project the authors and the interviewers. In between events there are stalls to visit and it is only a short walk into the old town to see the castle, street entertainers and, of course, the bookshops.  If you fancy a day off from the festival site, then take a walk alongside the beautiful river Wye, where you may catch a glimpse of trout in the clear water, as canoeists paddle on by.

I have seen numerous authors but those who especially stood out for me were, David Baddiel, David Lodge, Will Self, Howard Jacobson, David Nicholls and A. C. Grayling.  There is also often the opportunity to book tickets for comedians and musicians. I am lucky enough to have been to, and thoroughly enjoyed, the concerts of both Bob Geldof and jazz musician Kyle Eastwood.

An early morning at the festival site

Around the main arena you will find many types of eating and drinking places catering for all tastes. It is excellent sharing a bottle of wine/cup of coffee with people purely to discuss the speakers you have just seen.  The authors or lecturers never fail to stimulate lively conversation.

Over the years I have enjoyed staying at a local hotel where you can camp in the grounds.  Here, I reunite with people who, like me, are Hay-o-holics.  They have all become friends who I look forward to seeing each year for that same week or so.  During the time we stay, it is as though we haven't been apart.  In the late evenings we have a camp fire and just sit talking about the events and our own perspectives on what we have heard.

If you have a moment you might to look at my rites of passage comedy novel which has a few chapters set at, and around, the Hay Festival: http://www.amazon.co.uk/MAZ-AND-ME-Young-Cannabis-ebook/dp/B00CHNLR6E?ie=UTF8&keywords=Maz%20and%20Me&qid=1460733098&ref_=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2&sr=8-1