25 Years at the Hay Festival - the centre of Wales’ Literary Heart

For a quarter of a century, Hay Festival has been an ironclad fixture of my family's calendar. Every year at the end of May, we've piled into a tent, and later an Airbnb, and spent seven days exploring the quaint cottage shops, meandering alleys, and enormous selection of secondhand bookshops in this beautiful Welsh border town.

This year, I brought my camera along to document not just the festival atmosphere, but the charming streets and characters that make Hay-on-Wye so photogenic.

Our favourite cottage to stay at- 30 minutes from Hay-on-Wye

Capturing the Festival Atmosphere

Of course, the main reason we're here is to look at, read, and listen to people talk about books. Hay Festival attracts authors, scientists, public intellectuals, philosophers, politicians, and literary enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Earnest bookworms don their wellies and raincoats to listen to speakers debate and discuss, huddled under huge white marquees. The crowd politely ignores the gusts of wind rattling the exposed scaffolding, the gentle shushes of parents to young children, and the muted applause emanating from neighboring tents.

Science greats like Richard Dawkins and Sir Roger Penrose appear regularly, while children’s literary superstars such as Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, and Julia Donaldson draw devoted crowds.

Overcast skies and blustery winds don’t put off the dedicated readers, who recline in the hammocks set up on the festival site.

Street Photography in Hay-on-Wye

The attendees are a remarkably consistent bunch, making for excellent character studies. It can be a challenge to spot my spectacled, grey-bearded professor father in the hustle and bustle of similar-looking academics. Tilley hats, Patagonia raincoats, and practical walking boots dominate the festival fashion, while various models of outdoor sandals complete the look.

Marshals corral people into various marquees amongst the hustle and bustle of Hay Festival

These are people with disposable income, and the town has flourished as a result. Beautiful artists' shops, retailers of rare books, sellers of local Welsh food and locally roasted coffee all thrive in what would otherwise be a tiny market town. The contrast between the literary crowds and the ancient Welsh architecture creates compelling photographic compositions.

There’s always a great range of musicians busking in the town, keeping the energy up on grey days.

The wobbly canvas of the festival tents contrast with the solid, planted, old masonry and brick buildings of Hay town, which is situated below the beautiful 12th century Hay Castle.

Mother and daughter shelter from the rain.

A Growing Family Tradition

Our family has changed over these 25 years too. Where once four came, now seven and a half are here. My brother and I have partners, and I have a young son who digs in mud patches between lectures. Tom Holland's insights on Roman emperors were completely lost on him, but the appeal of muddy puddles remains universal. My brother Jack has a child on the way, so next year our festival family grows even larger.

These generational changes make for wonderful documentary photography opportunities, capturing how family traditions evolve and continue.

Pap and the boy enjoy a packed lunch on a log, outside Hay Festival.

Photography and Literary Heritage

As our parents brought us here, instilling habits of reading, curiosity, and intellectual engagement, I hope our sons will continue this tradition, perhaps bringing their own children one day. There's something magical about photographing this continuity against the backdrop of Hay's timeless book-lined streets.

For now, it's a yearly week of creative inspiration. Time with family, fresh Welsh air, and a chance to exercise both intellectual and photographic muscles. The combination of literary culture and stunning Welsh border countryside provides endless opportunities for photography, or most often, enjoying a coffee with loved ones (thanks The Old Electric Shop) .

Planning Next Year's Photography

Next year is already in the diary, and I'm looking forward to it before this week is even over. Hopefully, this time next year the boy will be a little more independent and I’ll ahve a bit more free reign to roam around and photograph. But this year, just hanging out and taking the odd snapshot has scratched an itch. Perhaps an off season solo visit to Hay-on-Wye is needed?

The streets and characters of Hay-on-Wye offer incredible opportunities for documentary and street photography. If you’re a local business looking for photo or video content, drop me a message and we can discuss how we can work together.

Contact me to work together on photo or video projects: