Hay Castle Events

Drawing on the Zen tradition of calligraphy, Zen Brushwork works primarily with ki, or energy. Using a large brush, the intention is to let go of thinking and allow the whole body to connect with the physical act of making a mark: to become one with the brush.

The focus of the practice is to relax body/mind and allow ki to flow freely, through energy raising exercises - yokiho - and sitting meditation - zazen.

In the course of the day we will work with mujibō, the Zen line, ensō, the Zen circle, and complete the day by brushing Mu Tō Zai, ‘No East, No West - No Difference’, on Japanese paper.

Cost: £40 waged, £30 unwaged.

Ink, brushes and paper will be supplied. No experience necessary.

Step out from the gates of Hay Castle and into the ancient landscape that surrounds it. This easy morning ramble takes you on a loop through peaceful meadows, leafy lanes, and historic border paths with views of the Black Mountains. Follow sections of Offa’s Dyke and the Dulas Brook—the natural divide between England and Wales—as we uncover the castle’s wider story in the landscape.

The walk also includes a stop at Cusop Church, where Richard Booth—Hay’s self-declared ‘King’ and father of the town’s bookish fame—is buried. Back at the castle, enjoy complimentary tea or coffee before joining Director Tom True for a special 30-minute tour, giving insider insight into this iconic building's past, present, and future.

This walk is part of a special partnership between Walk Hay and Hay Castle. It's designed to bring locals and visitors together to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, gentle exercise, shared stories, and…

FOLK HORROR STORIES

DANIEL MORDEN is one of the UK's most popular tellers of ancient tales.

'GRUESOME, HYPNOTIC AND FANTASTICAL' The Times

Suitable 16+

Write The Book, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye. The Writing Retreat For Authors-To-Be.

A retreat for new writers and book lovers in rural Wales. Immerse yourself in the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye. Meet authors and booksellers, write, browse the magical bookshops, and enjoy exclusive events.

Price: £150 per day (excluding accommodation & travel)
Booking terms: £50 deposit, no refunds
Location: Hay-on-Wye
Date: Tue 25 Nov 10.00 to Wed 26 Nov 16:00

Price Includes:

• bookshop tours and talks

• writing hours

• lunches, snacks, coffees, teas, juices and cakes

• group coaching & mindful activities

• delicious food and special experiences

Suitable for anyone who loves reading and has a writing project they’d like to explore.

You’ll meet published authors including Helena Attlee for informal, cosy Q & As. There’ll be optional wellness activities to help you feel inspired and motivated. Team this with stunning countryside, a dreamy riverside location, vibrant local markets and delicious food, it’s the magical pre-Christmas trip you’ll want to be part of.

This event is being run by Helen Jane Campbell at Coaching by Helen - click here to book tickets

A Child's Christmas is a double bill of two wonderful Christmas stories by two famous Welshmen - Dylan Thomas and Richard Burton.

Dylan Thomas ‘A Child's Christmas in Wales’ is back! We’re delighted to welcome Lighthouse Theatre back to the Castle with their wonderful evocation of a child's delight at the festive season. Richard Burton's A Christmas Story is not as well known, but is a funny, warm and thought provoking account of childhood memories...in many ways it was a conscious response to Dylan Thomas' own childhood narrative. Told by award-winning actors Adrian Metcalfe and James Scannell, this evening's festive entertainment has been described by the press as 'masterful story-telling' and 'perfect festive fare'.
Burton and Thomas were actors whose love of words shines through these two short but heart warming stories. Described by the South Wales Evening Post as ‘a joy’, this ‘Welsh Icons Xmas show’ returning for it’s third year at the Castle signals the start of many peoples festivities.

‘There were very few white Christmases in my part of Wales’….

£12.50
£8.00 concessions
7.00pm

Following the critical acclaim of their debut album Source of the Severn, the Will Barnes Quartet returns with Outside the Light—a bold and expressive new chapter in their artistic journey. This second album deepens the group’s exploration of the interplay between jazz improvisation and the evocative landscapes of Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches. Through a collection of original compositions, the album weaves lyrical beauty with intricate rhythmic interplay.
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Led by guitarist and composer Will Barnes, the quartet features pianist Jack Gonsalez, bassist Aidan Thorne, and drummer James Batten—an ensemble recognised for its tight chemistry and compelling live performances. Their sound pays homage to jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, and Oscar Peterson, while forging a distinct voice rooted in contemporary expression.

The quartet has performed at major UK venues and festivals, including Pizza Express Jazz Club (Soho), Hay Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, and BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends. Source of the Severn earned praise from critics, with MOJO highlighting their “springy deftness… cool precision… serious chops,” and The Jazz Mann describing the album as “evocative, intelligent… contemporary.”
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Outside the Light showcases a group in full creative stride, offering audiences an immersive evening of modern jazz that’s both emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated.