Every Book Lover Needs To Visit Hay-On-Wye

Have you ever heard of the Hay-On-Wye book festival? If so, congratulations. If not… read on!

The festival takes place every year around May in an adorable little village in Wales. I’ve gone 5 times and it’s honesty one of the highlights of my year. You’ve got hundreds of authors doing signings and talks; massive tents stinking of new books; cosy pubs and restaurants all set in the idyllic Welsh countryside. Although of course, it’s mainly about the books.

Ever been to Glastonbury in the off season? This week, I’ve been on holiday in Wales and thought I’d visit the village seeing as I was nearby – it was pretty surreal. I’m sure Hay 2020 would have been amazing, but sadly it was one of the many things COVID 19 halted. The shops were mostly shut up, front lawns that often offered (the most gorgeous) ice cream boasted only wheelbarrows and the streets were mostly deserted. I even went to the site where the festival is normally held and it was just a field – very strange!!

However, I still had a great time and got to look around a few second hand book shops… of which Hay has almost an abundance. My favourite is this old cinema that’s been converted into the underground lair of a heck of a lot of books. The village was still beautiful… and a great backdrop to take some aesthetic (ish) photos of my new Converse.

The Hay On Wye Book Festival should be on every book lover’s bucket list – I would highly reccommend it.

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Are you not sure what books to read for summer? Would you like to take part in a really simple and fun Reading Challenge?

Find the prompts here, and then borrow, buy, steal or ebook books to fit them. I’d love for as many people as possible to take part in my first original book tag. Happy Reading!