Last night the Hay Tourism Group met up to discuss the Hay Walking Festival. It happens in less than 4 weeks!

It was interesting to see the ticket sales: the longer walks have sold much better than the shorter ones; early ticket sales were from people out of the area, ie larger cities; in the last two weeks all ticket sales have been from local people - could this be down to the adverts and inserts within Wye Local? Let's hope so. We hope The Guardian will publish an article in the travel section. We did have one sale from a lady in Canada who will be teaming up the walks with a visit to her relative in Oxford!

It was discussed that we need to produce a questionnaire for all those taking part in the walks. This is so we can gain invaluable feedback in time for next year.

The evening events are lacking sales. I think this is because people will turn up on the night, a last minute decision. To help these ticket sales we'll be producing some posters to put up in the local area and generally spreading the word about the following dates:

Friday 7th Oct 2011, 7.00pm at The Swan At Hay: Festival Reception: Polar Explorer Felicity Aston and Broadcaster Trevor Fishlock

Leading Welsh broadcaster Trevor Fishlock introduces polar explorer Felicity Aston who has raced in the Canadian Arctic, led a team of women across the inland ice of Greenland, searched for meteorite craters in Quebec, skied along a frozen river in Siberia and spent three years living and working in the Antarctic! Felicity will give a presentation with slides and answer questions at the end. Please note: This event is being held in aid of Water Aid. Cost: £6.00. Check availability and book online at: www.haywalkingfestival.co.uk

Saturday 8th Oct 2011, 5.30pm at The Swan At Hay: Adventures in Nepal and Tanzania

Alan Ward,a freelance Expedition Leader based in Brecon and senior instructor with Bigfoot Services, gives an illustrated talk on expeditions he has led in Tanzania and Nepal. Alan was one of 11 finalists in the Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s Top Guide of 2006 Award Competition. Alan has led treks and expeditions for: The Mountain Company, Raleigh International, Charity Challenge, Walks Worldwide, Skyline Events amongst other companies. This event is in aid of: The Welsh Air Ambulance Service. Check availability and book online at: www.haywalkingfestival.co.uk

Saturday 8th Oct 2011 (7.15pm for supper, 8pm – 11.30pm for ceilidh) at The Globe At Hay: Festival Ceilidh 

Enjoy one of the Globe’s famous buffet suppers and then come and take part in a Welsh styled Ceilidh. A Welsh based band "Much Ado" will be playing with a caller to get everyone off their seats and taking part. No experience necessary – just come and join in. There will be a cash bar all evening. Tickets for the ceilidh only may still be available on the night, but numbers are limited so book ahead to avoid disappointment. Cost: £8.00 for ceilidh, £7.00 for buffet supper. Check availability and book online at: www.haywalkingfestival.co.uk

Sunday 9th Oct 2011, 7.15pm at The Kilverts, Hay: Pub Quiz 

Get a local team together! Cost: £3.00. This event is being held in aid of: Longtown Mountain Rescue. Check availability and book online at: www.haywalkingfestival.co.uk

Tickets will also be available at Drover Holidays (top of the Main Car Park) for those who don't want to book on line.

During the weekend I will be highly involved in the Ceilidh. Co was pleased to hear I'd also volunteered his services! I'm really looking forward to it. Let's hope we're not too busy so we can join in with a bit of folk dancing! 

If you're reading this blog and are interested in any of the walks, talks or events - book them! Or if you know someone who may be interested please spread the word. This promises to be a fabulous event for locals, visitors and the organisers.

Our next meeting is Monday 3rd October.

Lisa Marie x