The Greenfield Site
The Hay Festival has traditionally been held in the grounds of the town's Primary School but in 2005, the event moved to a greenfield site on the outskirts of town - firstly to the Oakfield and then to Daisy Meadows in 2006. Read what people think of the out-of-town move or
tell us what you think about the greenfield site.
your comments
Sue Roberts, Essex
I suppose the festival had to move because of getting bigger, but I think the old site was very special. It turned the town into something magical for that week. The new site is fine, it just lacks that extra something ...
Tue Apr 22 14:58:58 2008
David, Hay-on-Wye
I go every year. It's down the road after all... I have to say this was the best and most well organised I've attended. I love the new site, the space, the vibe, the on-site bars and exhibition stands. It's starting to feel like a proper festival as opposed to a few events in a primary school. I don't know what the fuss is about... the town has always been part of the festival and it's only 5 minutes walk away. The site doesn't have stacks of secondhand bookshops within its walls, so how can it ever compete or replace Hay-on-Wye?!
Mon Jun 12 09:58:08 2006
Anne Swift from Llandovery
I've been to the festival a few times this year and as always have really enjoyed all the events I've been to.We are very lucky to have it on our doorstep. However I think it has been a mistake to move it from the school grounds. I know it's not very far away but I think that a lot of the atmosphere has been lost by taking it out of the town.
Wed Jun 8 13:11:21 2005
Helen, Leicestershire
The site was fabulous and it was really easy to walk to town; no shuttle bus required by us!
Wed Jun 8 11:39:57 2005
Ivy Lewis, Talgarth
I've heard that some of the trades people are complaining that it's too far away from the town and their losing trade. People are still walking in to the town though - it's not that far.
Tue May 31 15:04:44 2005
Michela Wills, Nottingham
I visited the festival about 10 yrs ago when it was in the school. It feels much bigger now and unwieldy. There are more crowds. I don't remember the shows being so big. I liked the intimacy of the smaller venues.
Tue May 31 14:58:09 2005
Jayne, Brecon
This was my first time at the festival so I've nothing to compare it with. I know that some people in the town were worried about the the change in site.
Tue May 31 14:54:37 2005
Hywel Williams, Cardigan
The site itself is fine but it's not quite as convenient for the town. It's not as easy to nip out in between events.
Tue May 31 14:52:56 2005
What do you think of the greenfield site? Do you prefer the out-of-town location? Do you miss the convenience of the town centre? Add your thoughts and comments here:
