Trailblazing speakers, cutting-edge debates & evolving ideas. In 2026 we'll be bringing together our biggest line-up yet for a bank holiday of illuminating debate and discussion on the banks of the River Wye.
You can explore our first glimpse of speakers and panels for Hay 2026 below!
HowTheLightGetsIn brings together world-leading minds in philosophy, science, politics and the arts to untangle the questions of our time.
From Alastair Campbell clashing with Curtis Yarvin over the future of democracy, to Brian Cox exploring the story of the cosmos with Roger Penrose, to Slavoj Zizek locking horns with Yuval Noah Harari over humanities place in the world, the conversations you'll join at HowTheLightGetsIn shape the world of tomorrow.
Debates
Debates
Debate is the beating heart of HowTheLightGetsIn. This is the only place you'll see thinkers from the opposite ends of the intellectual spectrum come together to wrestle with the problems of today and tomorrow.
Debates at HowTheLightGetsIn challenge the status quo and disrupt the accepted narrative. No idea should be beyond reproach, no idea should be dismissed without consideration.
The conversations we facilitate shape the intellectual landscape. Hear eminent thinkers in every field engage one another in cutting-edge debates in a uniquely accessible format in the gorgeous backdrop of The Black Mountains.
Solo Talks
Solo Talks
Hear thinkers from every field of modern thought unpack their latest big idea - and we do mean every field.
From Alain de Botton exploring the philosophy of love and Slavoj Zizek's philosophy of hope, to Labour stalwart Diane Abbott envisioning the future of the left or Guy Standing making an impassioned case for universal income.
IAI Academy
IAI Academy
The IAI Academy offers two-part courses by leading thinkers from around the world. Designed to be accessible and opinionated, the courses are your chance to hear scholars from the best universities put forward their views on the problems at the cutting edge of their field.
At the IAI Academy, we break with the convention of lectures devoid of opinion. In an era where information is everywhere, the goal is not to promote one approach as settled 'objective' knowledge but to encourage lecturers to provide their own take on a field, and to offer new ways of thinking.
Inner Circles
Inner Circles
Our Inner Circle events are a unique opportunity to dine and discuss ideas with the world's leading thinkers. Beginning with an introduction from one of our speakers, you'll get the chance to have your say on the day's ideas.
If there are questions you've always wanted to ask them, our Philosophy Breakfasts and HowTheLightGetsIn Lunches provide the perfect opportunity. You might not get one anywhere else. These will be released alongside the launch of our programme in March.
Hat Sessions
Hat Sessions
Hat Sessions are you chance to take a deep dive in to a thinker's ideas, and where they have taken them.
Step into the life and philosophy of John Gray, Peter Singer, or Sadiq Khan, or explore radical ideas from disruptors like Katharine Birbalsingh, Rowan Williams, or Susie Orbach.
