Fungi Town Returns!

Hay-on-Wye will transform into the UK’s only ‘Fungi Town’ this autumn, as the three-day festival celebrating mushrooms, toadstools, yeasts and moulds returns from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October.

Now in its third year, Fungi Town brings together scientists, artists, growers, and fungi enthusiasts for a lively programme of talks, workshops, food, music and family activities. Taking place at Hay Castle, The Globe at Hay and venues across the historic border town, the festival explores the fascinating world of fungi through science, art, health, philosophy, play and food.

Visitors can expect talks from leading experts, fungi-themed stalls and produce, displays of wild and cultivated mushrooms, workshops, children’s activities, mushroom hunts, street celebrations, music and mushroom-inspired food and cocktails. Local shops and venues will also join in with themed window displays and events, giving the whole town a mushroom makeover.

Organisers say the event has grown rapidly since it began in 2024, attracting visitors, experts and enthusiasts while involving businesses, restaurants and residents across Hay.

Co-founder Tom True, director of Hay Castle, said the aim was to create a welcoming space where people can come together to share knowledge and celebrate the extraordinary role fungi play in nature, food and culture.