Hay Literary Festival has been attracting ever-increasing numbers of visitors over the past 20 years, and while it has been growing year-on-year, so too has the broad range of creative, artistic and musical events that now run throughout Hay as the festival comes to town IN common with festivals everywhere, Hay has its Fringe and this year it's taking over the castle.

In celebration of his birthday, Richard Booth, the King of Hay', has generously decreed that the castle lawns are open to all, along with the finest musical offerings, free and unplugged.

As well as the many talented musicians appearing in venues all over Hay throughout the week, there will be performances from the newly formed Youth Club Junk Percussion Group and Red Kite Theatre, who will be staging strange antics and weird happenings in and around town.

Hay Chamber of Commerce has arranged to bring the madcap theatre of the Desperate Men to the streets and Primrose Singers will be busking around during the first weekend of the festival.

Hay Fringe will also see the launch of The Alzheimer Memoirs on Monday at noon at the Salem Chapel. Recited by Dora Clouttick and Stewart MacNally, The Alzheimer Memoirs is a reflection in verse on memory and on the power of love and hatred to affect our view of the past.

All over the town there will be events and happenings in the streets and venues at the heart of Hay - live music, dancing, poetry, film, open mic, DJs, theatre, acoustic busking competition, art, workshops for all ages and a free party.

To find out more visit the website at www.hayfringe.co.uk.