Hay Castle Events

Letterpress printers Graeme Hobbs and Francesca Kay will be printing with the Castle's historic Columbian printing press, and sharing their enthusiasm for all things print. They are also showcasing their Printmaker in Focus exhibition.

Drop in, and learn how to make a good impression!

11am - 3pm

Friday 22nd | Saturday 23rd | Monday 25th | Friday 29th | Saturday 30th | Sunday 31st

Marianne Ryan's career began in the 1970s with an Art History degree. Based in London, she worked as an exhibition organiser and art editor, mainly for the V&A Museum and the Arts Council. In 1996 she gained a Fine Art BA from Goldsmiths’ College, and subsequently had several successful exhibitions in London. After moving to Herefordshire in the early 2000s, she took up photography and film, with an artist residency at Hereford College of Art (HCA), before retraining as a teacher. A busy period followed, with Marianne completing a Fine Art MA in 2014, alongside teaching at HCA and Malvern Hills College. She also co-founded and ran Studio Nostra, a mini art- college, from 2010 to 2016. Now able to spend much time in her studio, she is currently engaged in the exploration of drawing and associated techniques.

This is for artists wishing to pay their entry for the Open Show. The show runs in the Gallery from Sat 12 September and Sunday 1 Nov 2026.

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL THE END OF JULY - CLOSING DATE IS 30 JULY

Entries cost £20 each and there is a maximum of one entry per artist. (The entry fee goes to help cover the cost associated with running the gallery.)

Once you have paid the entry fee using the button below - please make sure you fill in the form.

Payment is required to get the order number for the form. You will be provided with a link to submit your artwork, along with dimensions and photographs. The photographs are important as this is what the panel will use to choose submissions.

Terms & Conditions

• Fees are £20 and are non refundable. (only 1 piece of work can be submitted per person as we have less room this year)
• Max size for 2D is 150cm x 150cm
• Max size for sculpture is 100cm x 100cm and no more than 150kg (we have to get it upstairs via the lift)
• If successful, you will be notified by email.
• The exhibition runs from 12/09/26 to 01/11/26 and selected work must be delivered to the castle.
• Work must be clearly labelled on the reverse with name, title and price.
• The decision of the Selection Panel is final.
• Work will be insured whilst on exhibition at the castle.
• Submissions are welcomed for fine art and sculpture only.
• Hay Castle takes 40% commission on any work sold.

LINK TO ENTRY FORM ONCE PAYMENT IS MADE

120 Mile tour using the roads of Monmouthshire, The Wye Valley and the surrounding counties.

Open to three and four wheeled cars manufactured up to 1990.

Starting just outside Pontypool and heading toEwyas Harold then via Peterchurch to Hay on Wye, then via the mountain roads to finish near Penderyn.

The rally starts in Pontypool at 9.30am and so the cars could be with us anytime from 10.30am.


Parkup at Hay Castle

On 4th July there will be even more books and bibliophiles in Hay than usual as the Hay PBFA Book Fair 2026 takes place in Hay Castle from 10am - 4.30pm.

There will be specialist book dealers from around the UK exhibiting and there will be books for all tastes and budgets on offer. The dealers will fill the Great Hall of the castle and the mezzanine level above and it is sure to be a truly beautiful sight seeing the castle overflowing with books and ephemera once again.

Entry to the fair is free as is entry to the castle for the whole day of the Fair so it is a perfect day to visit.


See the PBFA website

Learn the centuries-old art of traditional Japanese Orizomegami paper dyeing.

In this workshop you will learn to decorate paper by folding it and dipping it in pigment. This method is simple to learn but offers endless possibilities for combining colours and patterns, in a process that is mesmerizing and endlessly satisfying. Papers can be used for gift wrapping, card making, envelope lining, book binding or other creative applications.

This workshop will be led by Aoife Higgins, a visual artist and bookbinder based in Ludlow who enjoys experimenting with methods of paper decoration.

No experience is needed and all materials will be provided.

£15 per person

Get creative at our fun-filled craft buffet workshop, perfect for kids aged 6 and upwards. Children can explore a variety of hands-on craft stations, choosing from painting, collage, beads, junk modelling and more. With plenty of colourful materials and friendly guidance, kids are free to mix, match and design their own unique creations at their own pace.
A relaxed, imaginative space where creativity takes the lead and every child leaves with something special, they’ve made themselves.

All resources provided

Parental supervision required throughout the session.

Discover art and architecture in our Tetrapak Printing Workshop inspired by the unique features of Hay Castle, designed for ages 11 and up. Participants will learn how to transform recycled Tetrapak cartons into printing plates, etchig and inking designs based on the castle’s towers, arches, and textures.
Combining creativity with a touch of history, this hands-on session encourages young artists to experiment with printmaking techniques while exploring the character of historic architecture. Each participant will create their own striking prints to take home.

All resources provided

Join us for a vibrant, hands-on art workshop inspired by the feathered residents of Hay Castle’s gardens and surrounding countryside. Using recycled cardboard as your canvas, you’ll sketch and cut out bird shapes based on local species—think cheeky robins, elegant swallows, and bright goldfinches—before bringing them to life with bold, joyful colours and patterns. Perfect for all ages and abilities, this session blends creativity with a touch of nature study, leaving you with a unique, hand-painted bird to take home or display.

All resources provided Parental supervision required throughout the session.

Barbara launches her brand new book ‘The Valley of Ravens’

In the depths of the valley, two women, centuries apart, are bound by fate…
Present
Eve, desperate for a fresh start, arrives in the Valley of Ravens to restore a long-abandoned cottage.
Everyone knows the place is cursed. Why else would it be called The Witch’s House?
As Eve begins her renovations it becomes clear the place has a secret waiting to be uncovered, if only she can make the connection with the past.

Wales, 1260
Alys, a healer living in the depths of the valley, discovers Llewelyn – last true Prince of Wales – lying wounded on the battlefield. She tends him and her fate is forever bound to his.

Barbara will be signing copies of 'The Valley of Ravens' after the talk.
Buy a raffle ticket on the night to win a specially signed copy.
Bar open from 6:30pm

Join us for a fun, hands-on art and science adventure! In this creative workshop for ages 6+, young artists will use watercolours and rubbing alcohol to create magical, swirling planet designs that look like they’ve come straight from outer space.

As we paint, we’ll explore fascinating STEM facts about our solar system — from the stormy stripes of Jupiter to the icy blues of Neptune — and discover how colour, texture, and chemistry can bring these worlds to life on paper. Children will leave with their own unique “planet” artwork and a head full of cosmic curiosity.

All resources provided

Parental supervision required throughout the session.

Step into the creative heart of Hay Castle and explore the magic of words and images in this hands-on workshop designed for ages 11 and up. Inspired by the Borderlands exhibition, participants will discover how to transform fragments of text from old books, newspapers, and letters into striking found poetry. Guided by an artist-facilitator, you’ll learn techniques to layer your poems with visual elements—collage, ink, and mixed media—creating unique artworks that reflect the shifting identities, histories, and landscapes of the borderlands. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that blends literature and art, and a deeper connection to the stories that shape the spaces between worlds.

All resources provided

The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem.

In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a would-be hero - waiting in the

wings - who went by the name of Arthur. But when Camelot is rocked to its core by a tragic - and frankly improbable - incident involving a large table of an undisclosed shape, Arthur is thrust into the quest of a lifetime. Will he bravely battle through blistering cold and scorching fire to save his beloved realm, or will he crumble as fate refuses to cooperate? Destiny awaits, chivalry calls, and the quest to end all quests begins.

Saddle up - things are about to get legendary

Bring your own cushions and camping chairs and join us for this most epic of quests. Come prepared for the weather - the performance will continue come rain or shine.

★★★★★ “So entertaining… laugh-out-loud funny”

★★★★★ “The ultimate British theatrical experience” – Hastings Independent Press

★★★★★ “Riotously fun. Hugely enjoyable”

Additional notes

This performance is an outdoor performance. We recommend that you bring blankets/chairs/cushions etc. to sit on. Come prepared for the weather with warm coats and waterproofs etc, as the performance will continue come rain come shine!

7pm start time, gates open from 5:30pm. The performance will last approximately 100 minutes (+ a 20 minute interval).

Bar and food available from the Castle from 5.30pm. Picnics also welcome.

We kindly ask that you do not bring umbrellas, as these can obscure the view for other audience members.

An Introduction to the Art of Calligraphy.

Try your hand at this heritage craft.

This half day practical workshop will introduce you to basic foundation hand. The different strokes will be practised and combined to create all letters of the miniscule alphabet. At the end of the session, you should have an understanding of letter construction as a launch pad to begin your Calligraphy journey.

This workshop will be delivered by Peter Lloyd who has forty plus years of experience as a professional calligrapher and tutor.
No previous experience is needed and all equipment will be provided.

£20 per person
12 tickets available

You're invited to join Helen Jane Campbell at Hay Castle on this inspiring two-day retreat for writers. Immerse yourself in the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye. Meet authors and booksellers, write, browse the magical bookshops, and make progress with your own book or other writing project.

You’ll meet expert guests for informal, cosy, Q & As and 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 summer trip you’ll want to be part of.

Helen is a coach for creative people and will support you throughout the two days.

Try Your Hand – Wand Making

Bring your creativity to life at Hay Castle! In this fun, hands-on workshop for children aged 6+, participants will make their very own wooden magic wand and decorate it with colourful paints, ribbons, and sparkles. Each child can design a wand that reflects their own magical style. Whether it’s bright and bold or soft and shimmering, every creation will be one-of-a-kind — a perfect keepsake to take home and treasure.

All resources provided

Parental supervision required throughout the session.

Step into the magical world of creativity and let your imagination soar. In this hands-on workshop for children aged 11+, you’ll design and build your very own 3D box shaped like a majestic rook or any bird you like. Using card, paint, and markers, you’ll craft wings that open and close, bringing your rook to life. Perfect for budding artists and makers who love a mix of history, imagination, and a touch of engineering.

All resources provided