activities

fungi Town promises a weekend of wonder, curiosity and spore-spreading joy across Hay-on-Wye.

In the castle: Mushroom Marvels will offer two days of free activities for people to learn about the science and art of fungi. Discover Hay’s wild mushrooms and toadstools; learn about fungi cultivation from professional mushroom farmers; and explore the secret world of fungi in our microscope corner. Meet the artists and businesses working with fungi, creating medicinal and wellness products, grow kits and handcrafted goods.  And join our workshops on fermentation and printing with mushroom ink.

In the town: Follow the fungi window displays to discover delicious mushroom-based dishes, fungi products, and talks and activities, as Hay transforms itself into the UK’s first Fungi Town!

Featured
Fungi Town Foray
Oct 3
Fungi Town Foray

Join seasoned guide, Head of Nature at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, and self-declared ‘mushroom tickler’ Dan Ryan, for a family-friendly fungi hunt through the hills above Hay. Whether you’re a curious beginner or experienced mycologist, all are welcome.

Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots and, if you have them, bring a basket, small containers, penknife and hand lens.

NB: This isn't a forage for food, but a chance to get a closer look at Hay's rich fungal diversity, and collect specimens to display in the castle.

Growers Helpdesk
Oct 4
Growers Helpdesk

Your chance to ask some of Wales’ leading mushroom farmers for tips and advice on growing your own Oyster mushrooms, Lion’s Mane or Shiitake.

Fungal Rummage
Oct 4
Fungal Rummage

Discover the variety of mushrooms, toadstools and lichens collected from around Hay.  Bring in unusual fungi and see if we can identify them.

Science Corner
Oct 4
Science Corner

Take a look at the microscopic world of soil, spores, and hyphae with the team from Hay Regenerative Soils.

Make A Mushroom Patch
Oct 4
Make A Mushroom Patch

Join Abi from Oil & Oak and have some fun creating your own unique Mushroom Patch. Using fabric as collage, basic hand sewing techniques and fabric paint you’ll create a patch of dreams. 

Suitable for all abilities, no sewing experience need, all materials provided. 

Book on Oil & Oak website: www.oilandoak.co.uk/workshops

Make and Print a Mushroom Pennant
Oct 4
Make and Print a Mushroom Pennant

Join Abi from Oil & Oak and have some fun creating your own unique Mushroom Pennant. We’ll use calico and cut out your Pennant before designing your mushroom stamp and printing it onto your pennant. You can add some tassels or fringe too!

Suitable for all abilities, no sewing experience need, all materials provided. 

Book on Oil & Oak website: www.oilandoak.co.uk/workshops

Mushroom Printing Workshop
Oct 5
Mushroom Printing Workshop

Join artist and printmaker Yuli Gates for a hands-on introduction to the art of lino printmaking — with a twist. In this workshop, you’ll learn traditional carving and printing techniques while exploring the fascinating process of creating natural printmaing inks from mushrooms, as detailed in the book and website: The Mushroom Color Atlas. 

BOOK TICKETS ON HAY CASTLE WEBSITE

Fermentation Workshop
Oct 5
Fermentation Workshop

Join local writer and yeast expert Simon Poffley from The Fermentarium for a deep dive into the fizzy, flavoursome world of yeast-based drinks. Learn about the cultural journey of kombucha from Tibet to California, wrap your taste-buds around different yeast-derived items, and create your own kombucha

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