Hay Festival Global has announced the first details for Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2024.
The event will take place in the grounds of Hay Castle from Thursday, November 28 to Sunday, December 1.
This year will mark the 25th winter edition, bringing together writers, activists and world changers in an inspiring programme.
The programme will be announced in full on Tuesday, September 24.
A 350-seater marquee in the grounds of Hay Castle will host an eclectic mix of conversations, candle-lit storytelling, comedy, music and performances for all ages.
Additional events will take place in the Castle’s Clore workshop space, plus venues around town, including St Mary’s Church.
More than 10,000 tickets were sold for last year’s event, up 133 per cent on the previous year, with triple the volume of footfall.
Hay Festival Global CEO Julie Finch said: “We’ll mark the changing seasons with a world of different experiences at Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye Winter Weekend 2024, offering a heady dose of entertainment and joy alongside some bold visions for the future.
“Returning to the centre of Hay-on-Wye in the grounds of Hay Castle, we can build on the success of last year’s sold-out event offering access to more Festivalgoers than ever, live and online. Join us!”
Hay Castle executive director Tom True said: “We are very proud to be hosting the Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye Winter Weekend again at Hay Castle.
“The festival goes from strength to strength, and we are looking forward another inspiring programme of great creativity and purpose. Our stunning venue guarantees the magical atmosphere that can only be created at Hay Castle.”
Hay Chamber of Commerce director Chris Kemp said: “Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye Winter Weekend is a wonderful event that brings people to Hay at an otherwise quiet time of year. It marks the start of the festive season in our booktown and is a real boon to our businesses. It’s our favourite weekend of the year!”
Supported by the Powys Shared Prosperity Fund, the Festival weekend sees the Welsh booktown’s independent shops, cafés and markets offer a warm welcome to Festivalgoers within the stunning surrounds of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.