Join us for an engaging evening with Natalie Haynes, acclaimed author, broadcaster, and classicist, as she delves into the stories behind her celebrated works. Known for her witty and insightful approach to Greek mythology and ancient history, she brings the past vividly to life for modern audiences.
In this special exclusive event in the beautiful Great Hall, Natalie will share her passion for reimagining the myths of Homer and other classical writers for the modern reader through a contemporary lens. Expect sharp wit, fascinating insights, and a conversation that will make you see the classics in a whole new light.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of today’s most compelling voices in literature and classical studies.
The Castle Main Gallery will also be open for Clive Hicks-Jenkins - The Art of the Book, which, as part of the exhibition, visually reinterprets the timeless stories of The Iliad and The Odyssey for the Folio Society’s latest publication. His bold, contemporary style brings Homer’s legendary heroes and battles to life - vivid, dramatic, and unforgettable.
Natalie will be signing copies of her books after the event.
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.
Please bring your own materials
The sessions cost £18 for the full day from 11-4pm and £12 for a morning or afternoon session only.
The morning session starts at 11am so please arrive at about 10.45am
The afternoon session starts at 1:45pm so please arrive at least 10 mins beforehand
HAY MUSIC presents a concert for children - but adults will love it too!
In this much-loved musical fairytale, composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936, the narrator tells a folk story which the players illustrate by playing the different instruments which represent each character in the story.
Performed by the Solstice Collective wind quintet with narrator Felix Ashley who are all graduates of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Tickets: Adults £15 / under 25s FREE directly from Hay Music
Please bring your own materials
The sessions cost £18 for the full day from 11-4pm and £12 for a morning or afternoon session only.
The morning session starts at 11am so please arrive at about 10.45am
The afternoon session starts at 1:45pm so please arrive at least 10 mins beforehand
Cantorion Y Gelli is Hay’s mixed-voice, Welsh-language choir.
Musical Director, Gemma Woolford, gathered a group of friends together after the final lockdown to learn one Welsh song, and the fun started from there. Members are either learning Welsh or passionate about Wales and the language, three first language Welsh-speakers keeping a close ear on pronunciation.
Cantorion Y Gelli is excited to collaborate with Hay Castle this St David’s Day to bring you an evening of Welsh entertainment. The choir has a varied repertoire of traditional folk songs, hymns, male voice choir classics and even a football anthem! Come along and celebrate this very important day in the calendar and enjoy some good old-fashioned Welsh “hwyl”!
Celebrating print and paper, the first Hay Printers’ Fair will be held at Hay Castle on Saturday 11th April 2026.
There will be two floors of artists presenting an amazing array of work to buy, including letterpress, etching, wood engraving, lino cutting, paper marbling, illustration, book art and calligraphy.
There will be demonstrations on the day to enjoy too. Come and meet the artists and learn about their craft.
Entrance to the Castle is free on the day of the Fair.
Open 10am to 4pm,
seven days a week.
Hay Castle
Oxford Road
Hay-on-Wye
HR3 5DG
01497 820079
info@haycastletrust.org