Hay Castle Events

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

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

PICNIC BOXES FOR KING ARTHUR AND THE HOLY FAIL
Pre- order by 12pm on Thursday 6^th August.
Email the order to hello@epicureevents.co.uk
Payment on collection
Pre-orders only, these won’t be able to order on the night.

Meat £16
Charcuterie selection with:
Moorish aubergine salad, Maple syrup roasted butternut squash wedges, feta, pesto and pomegranate, Sliced heritage tomatoes, torn basil, buffalo mozzarella, chive and lemon dressing, Pink fir potatoes, capers, cornichon, radishes, lemon and organic olive oil, Lane cottage salad leaves, dijon and honey dressing

Vegetarian £16
Hummus and toasted seeds with:
Moorish aubergine salad, Maple syrup roasted butternut squash wedges, feta, pesto and pomegranate, Sliced heritage tomatoes, torn basil, buffalo mozzarella, chive and lemon dressing, Pink fir potatoes, capers, cornichon, radishes, lemon and organic olive oil, Lane cottage salad leaves, dijon and honey dressing

Vegan £15
Hummus and toasted seeds with:
Moorish aubergine salad, Maple syrup roasted butternut squash wedges, pesto and pomegranate, Sliced heritage tomatoes, torn basil, Pink fir potatoes, capers, cornichon, radishes, lemon and organic olive oil, Lane cottage salad leaves, Dijon dressing.

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.

Meadow Arts invites you to join Sarah Price Hiking for a series of guided walks through Hay-on-Wye and Kington, presented as part of the BorderLands programme.

Each walk has been carefully mapped by Sarah Price and will be led by a different artist, offering unique perspectives in response to the theme of Borders. Together, these walks explore the landscapes, histories and lived experiences that shape this border region.

Dates:

Thursday 20 August (Hay-on-Wye)
Sunday 30 August (Hay-on-Wye)
Sunday 13 September (Kington)

Time: Depart 10am and return 12pm

Meeting points:
Hay Castle main entrance, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG

Ridgebourne Road, Kington, HR5 3EG
(13 September walk)

Ticket price: £7.50
Free for under 18’s
All welcome, booking essential

Suitable footwear advised

The BorderLands Walking Series is funded by Arts Council Wales as part of the BorderLands programme (15 May – 31 August 2026). BorderLands is presented in partnership with Hay Castle. Made possible thanks to funding from The de Laszlo Foundation, The Colwinston Charitable Trust 30th Anniversary Fund and Arts Council England.

Participants are also warmly invited to explore the exhibition at the Castle at the end of the walks in Hay-on-Wye, extending the experience and offering further insight into the themes encountered along the way.

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

Set sail on an adventure of creativity! In this hands-on workshop, children aged 6+ will design and craft their very own treasure maps. Using simple techniques to “age” paper — like tea-staining and gentle crumpling — they’ll give their maps an authentic, timeworn look. Then, with a sprinkle of imagination, they’ll plot mysterious islands, hidden treasures, and secret landmarks, bringing their unique worlds to life. By the end, each young explorer will take home a one-of-a-kind map ready for their next big quest!

All resources provided

Parental supervision required throughout the session.

Bring your drawings to life with single-point perspective! In this fun, hands-on workshop designed for children aged 11 and up, we’ll explore simple techniques to create depth and dimension in your artwork — from roads that stretch into the distance to buildings that seem to pop off the page.
Each child will receive their own pencil set to use during the session and take home, so they can keep practising their new skills long after the workshop ends. Perfect for budding artists who want to add a new creative tool to their repertoire!

All resources provided

Roads! Where we're going we don't need roads!

From Academy Award®-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis comes Back to the Future — the original, ground-breaking adventure that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever.

When teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is blasted to 1955 in the DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), he finds himself mixed up in a time-altering chain reaction that could vaporize his future — and leave him trapped in the past. Powered by innovative special effects, unforgettable songs and non-stop action, Back to the Future is an unrivaled adventure that stands the test of time!

And remember - Your future is whatever you make it - so make it a good one.

This film is rated PG with bbfc

Terms:

- Seating not provided - for comfort, please bring your own camping chair and or blanket to sit on.
- Well behaved dogs welcome.
- Please note tickets are non-refundable - the event will go ahead rain or shine.

See also:

Dirty Dancing - Saturday 29th August

I carried a watermelon!

This is your chance to see this iconic film on a big screen outside.
It doesn't matter how many times you have watched it before - you have not seen it with Hay Castle as the dramatic backdrop.
Flatpack Cinema bring Patrick Swayze to a huge screen in the middle of Hay - what more could you ask for.
Although we do encourage dancing during the screening it is advisable to bring a blanket or a chair to sit on and a picnic and snacks - although drinks and food will of course be on sale on site.

We can guarantee The Time of Your Life - but we cannot be so sure about the weather and we will carry on rain or shine.

This film is rated 12 - for more info see bbfc

And remember... Nobody puts Baby in a corner.

Terms:

- Seating not provided - for comfort, please bring your own camping chair and or blanket to sit on.
- Well behaved dogs welcome.
- Please note tickets are non-refundable - the event will go ahead rain or shine.

See also:

Back to the Future - Friday 28th August

A warm and cheery, family-friendly, farm-life inspired circus spectacle, the Farm Yard Circus comprises group acrobatics, juggling, theatre, and live music. This high-energy boot-stomping show brings fun and energy to Hay Castle.

Farm Yard Circus began creating work together in March 2019. We are a company of 9 circus performers and musicians, focused on creating outdoor circus theatre performances set and based around life on a farm.

Adult ticket - £12.00
Under 16s - £7.00
Family ticket - £30.00

Two shows on Sunday 30th August - 11:30 am and 2.30pm

In this fascinating talk Matthew Myerscough will take attendees on a journey of discovery. Starting with the very personal story behind why he started fossil hunting, he picks out his top finds, big and small, recalling the adventures he had whilst searching for them. With a presentation of photos and practical tips for aspiring fossil hunters, this event will be engaging for all ages, although it is recommended for ages 12+


Matthew Myerscough is a civil engineer and fossil hunter based in Cardiff. With a particular passion for finding ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, he has become well-known in the fossil hunting community for making spectacular marine reptile discoveries on the beaches near his home. When he’s not scouring the foreshore in search of fossils, Matthew may be found playing with his young daughter or riding his bicycle. Matthew is also a qualified Mountain Leader and has survived an avalanche. In Search of Sea Dragons is his first book.

As an extra bonus every ticket holder will receive a free fossil from Matthew.

Come and try the art of letterpress in a hands-on and enjoyable workshop.

Guided by Graeme Hobbs and Francesca Kay, you will print your own simple poster, using wood type and the Castle's own historic Columbian printing press. You will also print small cards and monograms, using vintage tabletop presses and metal type,
while learning some of the history of print, and how to make a good impression.

Please bring an apron and wear clothes suitable for a workshop using ink.
£45 per person

Capture the beauty of nature in your own decorative botanical relief casting using clay and plaster of Paris. Use dried leaves, flowers, and other natural materials pressed into clay to create a detailed mould. You’ll then cast your design in plaster of Paris, revealing the delicate textures and intricate patterns captured from nature.

Throughout the session, you will be guided through each stage of the process, from preparing the clay mould to mixing and pouring plaster for a successful cast. This relaxed and creative workshop is suitable for all experience levels. By the end of the session, you will have a beautiful handcrafted botanical relief plaque to take home and display.

Suitable for adults (16+). All materials and equipment provided.

Only 6 places available.

An evening with Sonia Hammond and Home Of The Free is a collaboration showcasing the talents of these three virtuoso performers.

Sonia Hammond is a highly regarded and accomplished cellist. She has toured extensively in Europe and Africa and is Principal Cellist at both St.Woolos and Brecknock Sinfonias.

Home Of The Free have been delighting audiences with their original material, close vocal harmonies and musical interplay. They are currently recording the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut album.

This collaboration delights with it's juxtaposition of styles and influences and promises to be a uniquely beautiful evening of music.

www.hotfmusic.com

This event is supported by Noson Allan - Night Out

Join us for a colourful painting adventure inspired by the incredible Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, famous worldwide for her bold polka dots, vibrant colours, and imaginative pumpkin artworks.

In this workshop, young artists aged 6 and over can create their own canvas painting using acrylic paints. They’ll explore colour, pattern, and composition while designing unique polka dot pumpkin art. Along the way, we will learn some fun facts about Yayoi Kusama’s life and artistic journey, discovering how her love of repeating patterns and nature inspired her to become one of the worlds most celebrated contemporary artists.

Please bring an apron and wear clothes suitable for painting.
All materials provided.
Suitable for ages 6 and above
Parental supervision required.

Come and try the art of letterpress in a hands-on and enjoyable workshop.

Guided by Graeme Hobbs and Francesca Kay, you will print your own simple poster, using wood type and the Castle's own historic Columbian printing press. You will also print small cards and monograms, using vintage tabletop presses and metal type,
while learning some of the history of print, and how to make a good impression.

Please bring an apron and wear clothes suitable for a workshop using ink.
£45 per person

As a special Halloween treat we are showing the iconic comedy horror film - An American Werewolf in London - directed by John Landis and with some scenes filmed locally!

The story tells of two American hitchikers who are on a walking tour of Britain when they are attacked by a werewolf whose existence is consistently denied by the locals. The film includes groundbreaking special effects from the days before CGI, when models, makeup and special effects animatronics were used to create the werewolf scenes.

Apparently, Michael Jackson had never heard of John Landis until he saw American Werewolf and he was so impressed that he asked Landis to direct his Thriller video. Landis only agreed if he could make it into a short film, rather than the usual promotional video - and the resulting 13 minute film changed music videos forever. It also had a massive influence on a whole generation of directors including the likes of Spike Jonze who made the music video into an industry and provided the opportunity for channels like MTV to develop. And if you have been to see Christopher Nolan's Oddysey you might notice a heavy influence of American Werewolf on the Circe scene with Samantha Morton. Nolan has avoided using CGI and utilises similar methods to John Landis in order to turn the soldiers into pigs.

Although the story involves the two characters arriving on the Yorkshire Moors, these scenes were actually filmed on the road by Hay Bluff to Capel y Ffin and the Slaughtered Lamb pub was in fact a house in Crickadarn.

Come and see for yourself on October 30th with our screening in the Great Hall. Bring a cushion.

Bar open from 7pm - film starts at 8pm.