HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2024 brings world-leading thinkers and cutting edge debate to Hay-on-Wye May 24th-27th. Start exploring the first taste of the speaker lineup now.
"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 you can find the bands you've been waiting to discover, explore ground-breaking ideas that have yet to make their mark, contribute your thoughts, and dance the night away.
Join us for a magical Bank Holiday, in idylic riverside feilds, for a weekend you'll never forgett.
Extra Experiences
Extra Experiences
You may come for our debates, talks and music, but HowTheLightGetsIn London 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!
DOKBOX
Soak up award-winning international documentaries in the cinema tent courtesy of our partners at DOKBOX
And More...
With scandalous cabaret and vintage fairground rides to boot, the festival is a wonderland for the imagination.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Set against the backdrop of the Black Mountains, there’s options to suit all group sizes, from pre-pitched tents for two, to large Mongolian yurts for the whole family. Whether you're looking for a little luxury in a boutique yurt, or a more classic festival experience with your own trusty tent, head to our accommodation page to check out your options.
HowTheLightGetsIn Festival Tickets give you access to our packed programme of solo talks, debates, music, comedy, films and much more. Students and Under 25 Tickets are available for a discounted price and under 12's go free! Carer tickets are also available so everyone can get involved with the big ideas at HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2024.
Accomodation can be purchased in addition to your festival ticket via the accommodation page.
Our first speakers and debates have just been announced for HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2024!
HowTheLightGetsIn gathers the leading thinkers in every field to interrogate the issues of our time and find new ways of understanding the world.
This year we're pulling together an even broader range of philosphers, physicists, reasearchrers, AI experts, legal scolars, politcal commentators, campaigners, artists, authors and many more to devele into the big ideas, and pull together new ways of seeing the world.
Jump into the conversations shaping our era with some of the greatest minds of our time.
Explore Speakers and Debates announced for a taste of whats to come...
Our world-class line up of musicians and comedians is the jewel in the crown of our programme, and what makes HowTheLightGetsIn a festival unlike any other.
"The art and soul of the party" - Harper's Bazaar
"Brilliant...the setting and the atmosphere is perfect" - Badly Drawn Boy
"The music lineup would shame the average summer festival" - The Independent
