Hay Castle Trust
The regeneration of Hay Castle has created an invaluable new community space and a vital beacon for the arts.
Hay Castle Trust, a registered charity, was established in 2011 to preserve this historic site and ensure a future of cultural enrichment, educational opportunities, and community enjoyment. The vision was to restore this beautiful building, making it safe and accessible for current and future generations, while creating a cultural hub in the renowned ‘Book Town’ of Hay-on-Wye.
We welcome 100,000 visitors annually to the Castle. Over 4,500 people engage with our year-round arts programme, including events, exhibitions, festivals, and residencies. Hay Castle occupies a unique cultural space between Cardiff, Bristol, and Birmingham, as well as serving rural communities that often have limited access to the arts. This is especially concerning in rural areas where social isolation and loneliness are major issues. Each year, around 4,500 people attend workshops, and more than 500 schoolchildren take part in field trips and educational sessions at Hay Castle.
Hay Castle also provides valuable training opportunities and contributes to further education by collaborating with local further education (FE) and higher education (HE) institutions to offer short courses and workshops that complement their educational strategies.
The Castle lawn, with its breathtaking views of the Black Mountains, hosts regular outdoor events such as the annual Hay Pride celebrations. More than 20 local schools and community groups, including the Royal British Legion, Hay PTFA, Hay Youth Club, Hay Dial-a-Ride, Hay Town Council, Hay St. Mary’s Football Club, Hay History Group, Hay Music, Hay Theatre, Hay Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees, and the Hay Festival Foundation, have developed activities in partnership with Hay Castle.
We are fortunate to be at the heart of this vibrant town, which boasts a creative and entrepreneurial community and is also home to the Hay Festival. Our aim is to provide a welcoming and open space where people can enjoy the heritage and culture of this area, while supporting the community and visitors in continuing to bring art, literature, heritage, and culture to this incredible part of Wales.
SUPPORT HAY CASTLE
We rely on the support of our amazing volunteer group (Finalists, Powys Volunteer of the Year Award 2024), as well as donations, alongside revenue from our shop and events. The Castle is a precious building, and given its age, it requires significant funding to maintain. Please consider supporting us to help preserve this historic site.
