Make sure to secure your spot to join us at our beautiful riverside location in Hay-on-Wye next Spring.
Ticket Options:
Festival Tickets
Unlimited access to a full long weekend of debates, talks & performances.
Festival Day Tickets
Unlimited access to a full day of debates, talks & performances. Great option if you can only join for one day!
Flexi Day Pass (+ Flexi Fours)
Flexi Pass: Choose which day(s) you’d like to visit.
Flexi-4: This pass gives you access to any four events of your choice on those days. Want to attend more than just 4 events? Pick up multiple Flexi-4s.
You’ll need both a Flexi Pass and a Flexi-4 to enter the festival site and attend events. One without the other won’t get you through the gates.
Fast Passes:
Your ticket includes core events, but for guaranteed entry to popular sessions, we recommend purchasing a Fast Pass in advance. You can book Fast Passes via our online programme or at the Box Office.
Don't forget students and under 25's get 40% off and under 12s go free.
Big names, bold debates, and new perspectives have just joined the line-up for HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2025. Click to explore the speakers joining us in Hay.
Drawing from the basements of Berlin to the stages of Glastonbury, HowTheLightGetsIn brings together international artists and cutting-edge music from across all genres. Explore the carefully curated award winning artists for HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2025.
Our Travel Partner Great Western Railway runs trains from London Paddington to the Cotswolds and the South West, including our nearest station Hereford. Book ahead and save over 50% on train tickets at GWR.com or on their app. Plus no booking fees when you book direct.
To find out more about alternative travel options, head to our INFO page below.
ACCOMMODATION:
Indulge in a stay in one of our beautiful, hand-crafted yurts for the ultimate, luxurious festival experience or explore our camping options. Check in 3pm, check out 10am.
Our beautiful site is only moments from the centre of Hay with all the activities of HowTheLightGetsIn right on your doorstep.
To find out more about our accommodation options, click below.
Have a question? Head to our Info Page to visit our Frequently Asked Questions, our Terms & Conditions and learn more about our disability adjustments.
You can find more information on how to join HowTheLightGetsIn both as a volunteer or a trader.
"There is a crack in everything...that's how the light gets in". So goes the Leonard Cohen song from which our festival gets its name. At HowTheLightGetsIn we shine a light on some of the most exciting theories, and invigorating artists of the current day.
Tucked away at the foot of the black mountains, at HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2024 we brought together the bands you've been waiting to discover, ground-breaking ideas that have yet to make their mark. You contributed your thoughts, and danced the night away over a magical May Bank Holiday.
Join us again for HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2025 23-26 May for a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.
You may come for our debates, talks and music, but HowTheLightGetsIn Hay will have so much more to try.
Inner Circle
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's a question you've always wanted to ask them, or if you think they got it wrong in a debate, now's the opportunity.You might not get one anywhere else!
Long Table Banquets
Join us for a convivial long table feast right in the heart of our festival site. Enjoy a delicious food, a cool glass of champagne on arrival and wines carefully paired with each course.
