See Hay-on-Wye transformed into a winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer as actor, comedian and writer Matt Lucas turned on the town’s Christmas Lights in 2017 during Hay Festival Winter Weekend. Accompanied by carol singing, readings and evening entertainment, it’s an evening of family fun to kick off the weekend in good spirits.

Castle Street is closed to vehicles so lots of the independent shops spill out onto the pavement; chestnuts roast, mince pies are aplenty and cider and wine is mulled, the smells and sounds all inviting you down to the Cheese Market/Memorial Car Park where Hay School and more than twenty other local businesses have Christmas Stalls in the huge marquee. 

The weekend continues with a Food Festival, Arts and Photography Exhibition, Vintage Fayre and national comedians and writers host to the winter festival goers in venues throughout town.