About the Globe
The Globe at Hay is an independent arts centre embracing an ever-changing arts landscape.
Our History
In the year of 2008, Hilary Lawson, a cherished member of the Hay-on-Wye community, seized a remarkable opportunity. As a long-standing resident with a keen eye for the town's potential, Hilary noticed that the historic Methodist Chapel at the town's end was available for purchase. Fuelled by the conviction that a town as uniquely creative as Hay-on-Wye deserved a hub for arts and events, the vision for The Globe at Hay was born.
Founded with the intention of enriching the cultural landscape of this already vibrant town, The Globe at Hay became a beacon for artistic expression and intellectual engagement. Hilary's foresight envisioned a space where the community could come together to celebrate creativity in all its forms – from visual arts and literature to music, philosophy, and beyond.
Since its inception, The Globe at Hay has evolved into a dynamic venue, fostering an environment where ideas flourish and where individuals from all walks of life can engage with a myriad of artistic and intellectual pursuits. Our story is woven into the cultural fabric of Hay-on-Wye, and we continue to be a proud contributor to the town's rich tapestry of creativity.
Step inside The Globe at Hay and be part of our ongoing journey, where the legacy of Hilary Lawson's vision continues to unfold, creating a space where the arts thrive, events come to life, and the spirit of community blossoms.
Our Mission
Believing firmly in the ‘Town of Books’ and our local community, The Globe at Hay pledges to invest in making a space where all can come together to share in culture and expression. We want to ensure that being based rurally is no barrier to exceptional events. In our programme, you will find films, live music, talks & debates, workshops, art exhibitions, courses and opportunities for schools. We believe that in a small community like Hay-on-Wye, an arts centre has a duty to work with its audience and listen to feedback so that the programme is always diverse and relevant.
Year-round, we showcase talent found on our doorstep, and we are proud that we have a local audience from the town, as well as people that travel from further afield.
We have an education programme that focuses on creating work that encourages students and teachers alike to explore big topics through creative and experiential workshops. The Globe at Hay is particularly committed to ensuring that our work impacts hard-to-reach young people, and we are constantly exploring new funding streams to carry on this work.
Our Day to Day
At The Globe at Hay, you will find our cosy and welcoming café and bar, run in collaboration with our Burger Me Restaurant. Our talented Head Chef has specially created a variety of delicious burgers guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling. We also have a huge range of side dishes, sharing plates, desserts and specials. We also have accommodation with our Stay in Hay cottage. Our cottage is on the door stop of the Globe and just a stone’s throw from the town centre.
The Festival
In May, when the world turns its attention to Hay-on-Wye for the festivals, The Globe at Hay works alongside the internationally renowned music and philosophy festival, HowTheLightGetsIn, on the riverbank of the Wye River.
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