Covid-19 guidelines
We are looking forward to welcoming you back to Hay and our first live festival in two years.
The health and welfare of our audiences, artists and staff is something we take very seriously, and we will have a number of measures in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy the Festival safely.
We will of course be adhering to the latest Welsh Government Covid-19 guidelines at all times (which differ from the UK Government) and will continue to carefully monitor the ongoing situation. The extra precautions will mean that it may take a little longer than normal to enter the Festival site, so please arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your event is due to start.
The following explains how we intend to keep everyone safe to enjoy the Winter Weekend.
WILL I NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION OR A NEGATIVE TEST TO ENTER THE FESTIVAL SITES?
Yes. To gain entry to the Festival sites you will be required to show either:
The NHS App – which contains the Covid Pass showing proof of full vaccination; both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the arrival at the venue)
or
Your Covid-19 vaccination card, showing the dates of your two vaccinations (you will also need to show another form of ID, e.g. a bank card, to confirm identity)
or
Proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 24 hours of your arrival at the Festival in the form of an NHS Covid-19 Notification confirmation email or text.
You can download the App for your digital device, or in some cases request a paper version.
You can get an NHS Covid Pass if:
- You were vaccinated in Wales, England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have had a full course of the Covid-19 vaccine.
- You are aged 16 or over.
If you are 12yrs or under you do not need to take a lateral flow test or wear a mask
If you are from England – information about the NHS Covid pass can be found here.
If you are from Wales – information about the NHS Covid pass can be found here.
If you are from Scotland – information about the NHS Scotland Covid Status App can be found here.
If you are from Northern Ireland – information about the NHS Covid Cert NI App can be found here.
It is recommended you register and use the NHS Covid Pass App at least two weeks before the Festival.
If you were vaccinated outside the UK, you need to get proof of vaccination from the country where you were vaccinated.
Once you have shown either of the above you will be given a Winter Weekend wristband to allow you re-entry into the Festival sites and to minimise queueing.
WILL I NEED TO WEAR A MASK?
Yes. Everyone on the Festival sites (over the age of 12) will be required to wear a face mask when inside our venues, other than when eating or drinking in accordance with Welsh Government guidelines. This is currently a legal requirement for all multi-purpose venues in Wales.
ARE THE VENUES OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY?
Yes, both venues will be operating at full capacity following the Welsh Government's move to Alert Level 0 in August 2021. We will of course continue to closely monitor the situation.
CAN I GET A COVID-19 TEST AT THE FESTIVAL?
Yes. We will have a limited number of lateral flow tests available at the main Festival site, but it would be better to take a test prior to arriving: you must report your Covid-19 NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test result online.
I DON'T HAVE A SMARTPHONE AND CANNOT USE THE NHS APP OR WEBSITE?
If you don’t own a smartphone or a computer, there’s still a way to report and get proof of a negative NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test by telephoning 119 – this phone number is in your test kit’s instructions as well – and they’ll tell you your options. Please check with them before you visit and leave enough time before the start of the event to obtain the result.
WHAT OTHER PRECAUTIONS ARE YOU TAKING?
Hand sanitiser stations will be located on all entry points to our venues – please do sanitise on arrival and departure. We will also be undertaking regular cleaning of the venues, including all touch points.
All of our Festival staff will be tested for Covid-19 prior to, and during, the Festival and be required to wear a face covering.
WHAT IF I TEST POSITIVE OR SHOW SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
If you are showing any of the Covid-19 symptoms on the day of your event, please do not attend the Festival. These include:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell.
In this instance please email boxoffice@hayfestival.org with your order number and you will receive a refund.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE LATEST INFORMATION?
We will continue to monitor and update our Covid-19 guidelines, and any changes will be made on this page and on the FAQ page. We will also announce any changes via our social media channels.
The latest Welsh Government guidelines can be found here.
The latest UK Government guidelines can be found here.
