Hay-on-Wye, famous for its bookshops, literary festival and history of independence, is adding a new claim to fame this autumn as it transforms into the UK's first Fungi Town.

Now in its second year, the three-day event takes place between 2-4 October 2026 and sees the whole town celebrate the extraordinary kingdom of fungi, from mushrooms and toadstools to yeasts and moulds.

Fungi Town brings together scientists, growers, artists, cooks, enthusiasts and curious visitors for a weekend of science, culture, food and discovery.

Highlights include:
Talks on the cultural history of magic mushrooms, the wonder of stinkhorns, medicinal mushrooms, fungi conservation and how rethinking decay can transform your life.
Leading fungal experts from organisations including Kew Gardens, Cardiff University, the Royal Horticultural Society, the National Museum of Wales and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Fungi-inspired food, poetry, mushroom growing, paper making and walks.
Films, food and drink, a musical ‘Puffball', a street parade and a town-wide mushroom shop-window competition.
Events will take place at Hay Castle and The Globe at Hay,