Hay Market Day, Hay-on-Wye

Hay Market Day takes place in scenic Hay-on-Wye in the county of Powys, Wales.

Trading for over 700 years, this is a vibrant, traditional and historic local market which has been held in the town centre of Hay-on-Wye, the world's first Town of Books and home of the annual Hay Festival of Literature, for centuries.

Hay Market Day takes place every Thursday throughout the year, showcasing forty independent traders selling a wide range of items, including local and seasonal produce, hot food, fresh fish and meat, artisan bread and cakes, artisan arts and crafts, homewares, antiques, vintage wares and much more! There is always something for everyone; locals and visitors alike.

The market is held throughout town, with stallholders situated in Memorial Square, the Cheese Market hall, Butter Market hall and around the Clock Tower, so it’s a good excuse to stroll around the town and take in all of the sights.

This small market town in the historic county of Powys also offers glorious scenery throughout the area and a lovely community atmosphere. The market day is often quoted as the best day to visit the town, so come and peruse, socialise, eat and shop! Why not make a weekend of it?

For 2025, weeks also have additional markets taking place in the square:

- Hay Saturday Market - Taking place on the first Saturday of the month, from April to October, 10am-4pm. Join us on the first Saturday of the month from April to October 2025 for our monthly Saturday market. With stalls taking over Memorial Square, the surrounding halls and Hay Castle's Honesty Bookshop lawn, you can shop, eat and be inspired with over 50 independent local producers, makers and vintage traders, whilst enjoying amazing local food and drink.

- Hay Winter Weekend Market - Saturday 29 + Sunday 30 November 2025, 10am-4pm. Hay's Memorial Square and halls will be transformed into a vibrant weekend market of independent creatives, makers, producers, street food and vintage sellers, the perfect place to begin your Christmas shopping. Hay Castle will be hosting the Hay Festival Winter Weekend over the same weekend, with a packed programme of talks, comedy and music. See www.hayfestival.org for details. There are satellite events hosted in venues around town, including Hay St Mary’s Church, North Books and The Poetry Bookshop.

- Hay Christmas Fayre - Saturday 13 December, 10am-4pm. Over 100 traders bring Christmas to the Square and streets of Hay and Hay Castle this December. With festive gifts, street food, mulled wine, carol singing, Father Christmas and more!