Hay Castle Events

This is for artists wishing to pay their entry for the Open Show. The show runs in the Gallery from Sat 12 September and Sunday 1 Nov 2026.

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL THE END OF JULY - CLOSING DATE IS 30 JULY

Entries cost £20 each and there is a maximum of one entry per artist. (The entry fee goes to help cover the cost associated with running the gallery.)

Once you have paid the entry fee using the button below - please make sure you fill in the form.

Payment is required to get the order number for the form. You will be provided with a link to submit your artwork, along with dimensions and photographs. The photographs are important as this is what the panel will use to choose submissions.

Terms & Conditions

• Fees are £20 and are non refundable. (only 1 piece of work can be submitted per person as we have less room this year)
• Max size for 2D is 150cm x 150cm
• Max size for sculpture is 100cm x 100cm and no more than 150kg (we have to get it upstairs via the lift)
• If successful, you will be notified by email.
• The exhibition runs from 12/09/26 to 01/11/26 and selected work must be delivered to the castle.
• Work must be clearly labelled on the reverse with name, title and price.
• The decision of the Selection Panel is final.
• Work will be insured whilst on exhibition at the castle.
• Submissions are welcomed for fine art and sculpture only.
• Hay Castle takes 40% commission on any work sold.

LINK TO ENTRY FORM ONCE PAYMENT IS MADE

Kate Bliss, a regular face on BBC antiques programmes and an independent jewellery and fine art valuer is hosting a free ‘drop-in’ Valuation Day for jewellery and silver as well as other antiques and contemporary fine art.

Have you recently inherited items you know nothing about? Do you have jewellery you never wear? Kate offers a unique opportunity to find out more about your valuables including their potential value.

A Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, Kate has over 20 years experience valuing single items to unique collections and whole house contents. Whether it’s the right time to realise some assets or simply de-clutter, Kate will provide you with a verbal consultation and arrange items for sale if suitable.

Drop-in for a free valuation in the Clore Learning Space 10am to 4pm, Saturday 9th May

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

The model this week will be David Milward

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

Learn the centuries-old art of traditional Japanese Orizomegami paper dyeing.

In this workshop you will learn to decorate paper by folding it and dipping it in pigment. This method is simple to learn but offers endless possibilities for combining colours and patterns, in a process that is mesmerizing and endlessly satisfying. Papers can be used for gift wrapping, card making, envelope lining, book binding or other creative applications.

This workshop will be led by Aoife Higgins, a visual artist and bookbinder based in Ludlow who enjoys experimenting with methods of paper decoration.

No experience is needed and all materials will be provided.

£15 per person

Barbara launches her brand new book ‘The Valley of Ravens’

In the depths of the valley, two women, centuries apart, are bound by fate…
Present
Eve, desperate for a fresh start, arrives in the Valley of Ravens to restore a long-abandoned cottage.
Everyone knows the place is cursed. Why else would it be called The Witch’s House?
As Eve begins her renovations it becomes clear the place has a secret waiting to be uncovered, if only she can make the connection with the past.

Wales, 1260
Alys, a healer living in the depths of the valley, discovers Llewelyn – last true Prince of Wales – lying wounded on the battlefield. She tends him and her fate is forever bound to his.

Barbara will be signing copies of 'The Valley of Ravens' after the talk.. Buy a raffle ticket on the night to win a specially signed copy.

Bar open from 6:30pm

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

Bring your own cushions and camping chairs and join us for this most epic of quests. Come prepared for the weather - the performance will continue come rain or shine.

★★★★★ “So entertaining… laugh-out-loud funny”

★★★★★ “The ultimate British theatrical experience” – Hastings Independent Press

★★★★★ “Riotously fun. Hugely enjoyable”

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!

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

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

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

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 30TH

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.

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