Hay Castle Events

As well as tours and exhibitions, we hold a variety of events here at Hay Castle. You can see upcoming events and buy tickets below. For our past events listings please click here.

Ungrievable Lives

Art Installation by Caroline Burraway

Venue: Hay Castle 1st Floor
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13 children’s dresses handmade from lifejackets the artist gathered from the Lifejacket Graveyard, Lesvos. Each dress represents 1 of the 13 million child refugees worldwide. Today as a consequence of the war in Ukraine, this number is now 15 million.

The dresses signify the absent body, evoking memory, absence and loss. Dirty, torn, patched together, a mixture of faded oranges, pinks and reds, at first glance they look like any small 3/4 year old dress a young child may wear, your child, my child, any child…

The scales, an ancient symbol of justice, signify the weighing of the body and soul, embodying the difficult question: “What is the differential value of a Western life compared to the value of the life of the refugee, arriving at the border of the Western world?”

The piles of sand at the bottom of each dress represent physical/ real, political/ fictional, and cultural/ symbolic borders and - like sands - are forever shifting and changing over time. Man-made boundaries, including linguistic, economic and social, conspire to create further division.

See the artwork on the 1st floor mezzanine between 3 and 29 September.

There is a performance of music composed by Charlotte Bray on Friday 12 Sep at St Mary's Church as part of Hay Music - Bray, inspired by Burraway’s art installation has responded to the migrant crisis with her very first string quartet. Tickets are available through Hay Music

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO THE CONCERT WITH HAY MUSIC


See the artwork as part of your Hay Castle entrance ticket
Ungrievable Lives

Wednesday Evening Talk - Steph Avery-Reynolds

Vivat Matriarchia

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Clyro-based artist Steph Avery-Reynolds discusses the historical research and creative process for her commemorative Masters project Vivat Matriarchia, part of which, Perihelia, is currently on display at the castle.

The work realises found artefacts from an imagined 17th century matriarchal society, populated by real overlooked women of history. The central figure is polymath Margaret Cavendish (playwright, scientist, philosopher) but also commemorated are Maria-Clara Eimmart, the first recorded female astronomer, a century before the better-known Caroline Herschel; and Anna and Susanna Lister, illustrators of over 1000 shells and molluscs for their naturalist father’s text Historiae Conchyliorum, expert copper engravers from the ages of 13 and 15 years old.

The talk will be illustrated with their work, as well as the research and process behind the elements created for the project in ceramics, glass engraving, coins, textiles and wallpaper.
Steph Talk
£5.00
Steph Avery Talk Student/Unwaged
£3.00
Wednesday Evening Talk - Steph Avery-Reynolds

Life Drawing Sep 8th

Monday Life Drawing Session

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Life Drawing is back for the Autumn term - beginning at 11am and finishing at 4pm

The model for this session will be Seren.

This takes place in the Clore Learning Space every other Monday from 11am until 4pm.



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


11 - 12 - Drawing
12 - 12.15 - Break
12.15 - 1.15 - Drawing
1.15 - 1.45 - Lunch
1.45 - 2.45 - Drawing
2.45 - 3pm - Break
3 - 4pm - Drawing



Full day session £188th Sep
£18.00
Half Day Session £12 8th Sep
£12.00
Life Drawing Sep 8th

Hay Castle & The Borderlands Ramble

With Walk Hay

Venue: Hay Castle
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Join us for a relaxed morning walk that weaves through the stunning landscape surrounding Hay-on-Wye—a town steeped in history and perched right on the border between England and Wales. Starting and finishing at Hay Castle, this gentle-paced guided walk takes in riverside footpaths, parts of the famous Offa’s Dyke trail, and the tranquil Dulas Brook, which marks the national border.

We’ll visit the peaceful Cusop Church, the final resting place of Richard Booth—‘The King of Hay’—whose eccentric legacy lives on in a fascinating exhibition inside the castle. After our walk, we’ll return to the castle for tea or coffee and enjoy an exclusive 30-minute ‘Director’s Tour’ led by Castle Director Tom True.

Whether you’re local and want to rediscover the countryside on your doorstep, or a visitor keen to understand Hay’s unique history and setting, this walk is a perfect way to connect with the land, the past, and others.…

Hay Castle & The Borderlands Ramble

Print Club September 15th

Fortnightly Print Club

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Print Club is run by our resident printmaker - Aidan Saunders - AKA Prints of Hay.

Print Club costs £6 per session - Some materials will be provided and there will be access to the printing press when accompanied by Aidan.

This club will develop according to the needs and requirements of the members of the group - so why not come along and become a part of Print Club.

DONATIONS FOR MATERIALS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED - WE HAVE A DONATION BOX

Print Club 15th September
£6.00
Print Club September 15th

Life Drawing Sep 22nd

Monday Life Drawing Session

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Life Drawing is back for the Autumn term - beginning at 11am and finishing at 4pm

The model for this session will be Jessika.

This takes place in the Clore Learning Space every other Monday from 11am until 4pm.



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


11 - 12 - Drawing
12 - 12.15 - Break
12.15 - 1.15 - Drawing
1.15 - 1.45 - Lunch
1.45 - 2.45 - Drawing
2.45 - 3pm - Break
3 - 4pm - Drawing



Full day session £18 22nd Sep
£18.00
Half Day Session £12 5th May
£12.00
Life Drawing Sep 22nd

Evening Talk by Carwyn Jones about Vanished Wales

Hear about the programme on ITV Wales and the new book

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Join us at Hay Castle on October 1 for a special talk by television producer and director Carwyn Jones who will be discussing Vanished Wales: Places Lost in Living Memory, the book which accompanies one of ITV Cymru Wales’ most popular shows.

Carwyn explores the fascinating stories of lost landmarks: places in Wales that have disappeared from towns, cities and villages within living memory. As in the series, the book shines a spotlight on this missing heritage, featuring stories from local people who still have a deep personal connection with the remarkable sights that were once on their doorstep.

In this talk, Carwyn Jones shares his deep passion for Welsh history, exploring the stories behind lost landmarks, vanished railway lines, and the communities that have faded over time. Following his talk, he will be asked questions about the book, and there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions as well.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this is a unique opportunity to hear from the producer behind the popular series.

“Beautifully crafted, Vanished Wales is a fresh take on social history that entertains and informs us about places that we thought we knew.” – Jonathan Hill


Lost communities, hives of industry, popular public buildings, cultural and sporting venues, wartime placements, Victorian superstructures and even entire villages: these are once prominent places that have been wiped off the map. Including before and after images from the show, Vanished Wales sings their epitaph.
Price: £10.00

Fungi Town

A weekend celebrating the fabulous kingdom of fungi

Venue: Hay Castle
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Fungi Town is a free, family-friendly event taking place in Hay-on-Wye on the weekend of UK Fungus Day (3–5 October 2025) dedicated to the unbelievable, weird and wonderful world of mushrooms, toadstools, lichens, moulds and yeasts.

Led by a team of volunteers and enthusiasts, the event will bring together leading experts, growers, artists, and businesses for an exciting lineup of talks, workshops, films, exhibitions, feasts, art and more.

Fungi Town is the first event of its kind in the UK - a fungal takeover of an entire town! Hosted in the beautifully renovated Hay Castle, and by shops and venues across Hay, this is a community-led and playful celebration of mushrooms in all their amazingness.

Whether you're a curious newcomer or a lifelong fanatic, join us for a weekend of discovery, creativity and connection — all inspired by the magic of fungi.

Fungi Town 2025 | Explore Fungi Events Now


Visit the Fungi Town Website

Spores and Stories

Venue: Clore Learning Space
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How did you get into this?

An informal discussion with emerging mycologists, artists and fungi folk, tracing the unusual and often winding paths people take into the world of fungi. Presented by The Culturing Dish.

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye
Sold out
Please log in to add this event to your wish list so we can notify you in case of further availability
Spores and Stories

Fungi Town: From Chicken Shed to Mushroom Farm

Short film

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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A short film telling the incredible story of a five-year mission to convert former Norfolk chicken sheds into a mushroom farm. Using less water, space, and minimal resources, this breakthrough method could reshape the future of food production.

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye.


FREE
Fungi Town: From Chicken Shed to Mushroom Farm

Fungi Town: Discover the Magic of Mushrooms

Ali McKernan - the FUNgi Guy family event

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Join Ali McKernan - the FUNgi Guy - for a family introduction to the extraordinary world of mushrooms and toadstools.

This talk is the perfect introduction for all ages to the weird and wonderful kingdom of fungi. Ali's engaging and enthusiastic style makes learning about mushrooms and toadstools an adventure. He'll share fascinating facts, from the beautiful to the bizarre, and explain the vital role fungi play in our world. Get ready to be inspired and discover why these often-overlooked organisms are so extraordinary. This is a chance for the whole family to get a crash course in mycology from an expert who truly puts the "fun" in fungi!

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye.


Price: £5.00
Fungi Town: Discover the Magic of Mushrooms

Fungi Town: Fungus Among Us

Discover how scientists are using mushrooms

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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From fungi leather to packaging, discover how scientists and designers are working with nature’s secret engineers to tackle real world problems, with Dr. Peter Wellham (Really Clever Co.) and Adam Davies (Ty Syml).

Discover how the humble fungi is revolutionizing modern design and technology at Hay Castle's Fungi Town. This talk will showcase how people are harnessing nature's secret engineers to create sustainable solutions for real-world problems. Explore the incredible potential of mycelium—the intricate root structure of fungi—to replace environmentally harmful materials like plastic foam and animal leather. Learn about the science behind these innovative biomaterials, which can be grown quickly and with minimal environmental impact, offering a compostable alternative for everything from high-end fashion to protective packaging.

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye.


Price: £5.00
Fungi Town: Fungus Among Us

Follow the Rain

Film Screening at Hay Castle

Venue: Clore Learning Space
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UK premier of new film following fungi experts Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak on a stunning journey through Australia’s wild landscapes. With breathtaking imagery and a soundtrack of symphonic proportions.

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye

.
Price: £5.00

Fungi Town: Why Fungi Matter

Talk with Professor Katie Field

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Dive into the past, present and future of nature’s forgotten kingdom with Professor Katie Field from Sheffield University.

As a Professor of Plant-Soil Processes at the University of Sheffield, Katie Fields is an expert on the ancient and vital relationship between plants and fungi. Her research explores how these symbiotic partnerships, known as mycorrhiza, were instrumental in the colonization of land by the first plants over 450 million years ago. She studies how fungi continue to shape our ecosystems, influencing everything from nutrient cycles to global climate. Her talk would likely delve into the history of these interactions and their potential for addressing modern challenges like climate change and food security.

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye.


Price: £10.00
Fungi Town: Why Fungi Matter

Mushrooms and Mental Health

Discussion at The Old Electric Shop as part of Fungi Town

Venue: The Old Electric Shop
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A fascinating discussion between clinical psychiatrist and leading expert Dr Ben Sessa and local author Nina Lyon about mushrooms, and their use in treating issues such as addiction, depression and PTSD.

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE AT THE OLD ELECTRIC SHOP IN BROAD STREET - NOT IN HAY CASTLE
Mushrooms and Mental Health
£0.00
Mushrooms and Mental Health

Fungi Town: Introduction to Lino Printmaking with Mushroom Inks

with artist Yuli Gates, illustrator of the Mushroom Colour Atlas

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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Join artist and printmaker Yuli Gates for a hands-on introduction to the art of lino printmaking — with a twist. In this workshop, you’ll learn traditional carving and printing techniques while exploring the fascinating process of creating natural printmaing inks from mushrooms, as detailed in the book and website: The Mushroom Color Atlas.

Yuli will guide you step-by-step through designing, transfering, carving, and printing your own lino block. You will learn how to print on paper or fabric.

If you wish to bring your own fabric to print on, it it encouraged: go home with a new t-shirt, tea towel, tote bag, or pillow case (This will not be provided, so if you'd like to bring your own, please do so. The reccomendation is a light colour, and a smooth fabric with minimal texture)

Along the way, you’ll also discover how to forage or source fungi for pigment, prepare them for ink-making, and use their earthy, organic tones to create truly unique prints.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or looking to expand your creative toolkit, you’ll leave with your own hand-printed artwork, an understanding of mushroom inks, and the confidence to continue printing at home.

This event is part of Fungi Town, a celebration of all things fungi in Hay-on-Wye.


Price: £10.00

All Star Americana Review

Country, Contemporary Folk and Americana with Alex Valentine, Dave Luke and Chuck Micallef

Venue: Hay Castle Great Hall
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We are proud to announce the birth of a new two act Americana show featuring the undeniable talents of Home Of The Free and Chuck Micallef.

Home Of The Free is a collaboration between Dave Luke and Alex Valentine, two Londoners who relocated to Presteigne (nicknamed ‘home of the free’) in Mid-Wales. Lush harmonies and virtuoso guitar playing combine to create a unique blend of Country, Contemporary Folk and Americana. Dave Luke served his musical apprenticeship in award-winning London-based Country Rock band The Coyotes.

Since relocating to Mid-Wales in the 1990s Alex has toured Europe extensively in a variety of bands and played at legendary USA institutions such as the Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium and Kerrville Folk Festival. Alex was born and grew up in Camden, now living off-grid in a small wooden house surrounded by an ancient oak woodland. To date he has made eight albums on the Struck Dumb Records label.

First discovered by Bob Harris on GLR he has since been featured by Johnnie Walker, Jonathan Ross and Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2 and on 6 Music. Chuck Micallef paid his dues in the Coffee Houses of his native Toronto, an experience that provided him with a first-hand education in the craft of the Singer-Songwriter. In the early 1980s he recorded a clutch of 45s of his own songs, produced by Ron Dann and engineered by Bob Federer, which scored in both the Canadian and U.S.A. national charts. His 30 year tenure in the U.K. has yielded a live recording in 1996, the acclaimed 2007 album The Moon, The Stars & The Sun, and an enthusiastic involvement with the British roots music community, having organised two Community Music Festivals, Festival in the Forest Barton under Needwood 1996-2001 and One Day In May Newcastle-under-Lyme 2009-2010.

Home of the Free
"The voices of angels, the lyrical talent of Paul Simon and the ability to reduce audiences to tears." Mariella Frostrop Sky Arts.


Night Out


Standard
£15.00
Under 18's
£7.50
Family
£40.00
All Star Americana Review

Zen no Shodō

The Way of the Zen Brush at Hay Castle with Stephen Hopkins & Carolyn Blake

Venue: Hay Castle Clore Learning Space
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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.


Zen Brushwork - waged £40
£35.00
Zen Brushwork - unwaged £30
£25.00
Zen no Shodō

Borders, Books & Booth: A Castle-Side Stroll

With Walk Hay

Venue: Hay Castle
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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…
Borders, Books & Booth: A Castle-Side Stroll

Folk Horror Stories for Halloween

With storyteller Daniel Morden

Venue: Hay Castle Great Hall
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FOLK HORROR STORIES

Heed the call of the weird, where ancient folklore meets modern fear. Dive into the eerie, the unsettling, and the spine-tingling world of Folk Horror stories told by Daniel Morden. Lonely forests, foolhardy pacts, shapeshifters, unquiet graves, and ominous prophecies - the folk and fairytales of our ancestors contain the traces of old superstition, twisted ritual, cult, curses and archaic customs.These stories tap into forgotten fears that never stay buried, leaving you questioning what’s lurking just beyond the edge of your reality. Don't expect happily ever after!


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

'GRUESOME, HYPNOTIC AND FANTASTICAL' The Times

Suitable 16+

Daniel Morden is a Welsh storyteller in the oral tradition. Morden retells traditional stories from various cultures, in particular the Celtic and the ancient Greek. He has performed all over the world, in schools and theatres, at festivals and on the radio. He is also an award-winning author of such books as DARK TALES FROM THE WOODS. In 2017 he was awarded the Hay Festival Medal for Drama.

'To experience Daniel Morden in full flight is an amazing thing. He combines the skills of the Troubadour, the actor, the bard, the standup comedian and the preacher in the pulpit. One of the UK’s greatest storytellers.'

Ian Macmillan, Radio 3




Night Out


Price: £12.50