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HowTheLightGetsIn draws together musical rebels, cult icons, and party starters for a lineup of artists reshaping their genres.
Whether you’re a folk fanatic or a late-night groover, grab your friends and get ready to dance into the night this May...
Titans of electronic music The Orb virtually invented the electronic genre known as ambient house, topping the album charts and providing a soundtrack for early-morning ravers once the clubs closed their doors. With Alex Paterson always setting the controls for the perfect ambient flight, dance groove or exploring previously unknown vistas, The Orb have gone from visionary mischief-makers in 1988’s acid house revolution to one of the most revered electronic music acts alive. Their signature track "Little Fluffy Clouds" is ranked among NME's Greatest Songs of All Time.
"The Orb keep alive the spirit of rave" - Financial Times
Awarded 2022 Album of the Year by The Arts Desk, Hercules and Love Affair are dance music legends. Pitchfork ranked their chart-hitting anthem "Blind" (with frequent collaborator ANOHNI) among their top twenty songs of the decade. Project mastermind Andy Butler brings his unique sound to HowTheLightGetsIn.
"Phenomenal" - Pitchfork
Legendary dub icon Mad Professor is one of the biggest names in the genre. His innovative music has been instrumental in dub’s transition to the digital age, and anyone who hears it can’t help but dance. A longstanding collaborator of the likes of Massive Attack, Grace Jones, and Lee "Scratch" Perry, at HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2024 he's joined by established roots reggae favourite, Sister Audrey.
A festival sensation, Afriquoi are bringing their uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics to our stage for a night of euphoric cross-cultural celebration. Fusing Congolese guitar, Gambian kora virtuosity, and UK electronic sensibility, this live African dance music troupe create an uplifting dancefloor.
"Wildly euphoric, ridiculously danceable" - Uncut
After impressing at the MOBO awards and wowing with a soaring performance at the Royal Albert Hall, soulful singer and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson makes her triumphant return to HowTheLightGetsIn. She is musical proof that classical and alternative R&B music can and should coexist. It's no wonder that Gilles Peterson calls himself her biggest fan.
"The artist of our time... she is fire" – The Guardian
Northumbrian contemporary songwriter and storyteller, Richard Dawson has risen to international acclaim with his combination of exquisite lyricism with a virtuosic performance style. He draws fans from all corners: recent performances include sold-out shows at the Barbican, Berghain, and a memorable performance at St George's Bristol. Dawson’s work draws on a wide range of influences, from folk to prog rock and even Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music. Among his many accolades, his 2017 album Peasant was chosen by The Quietus as their Album of the Year.
Following a tour with Alt-J, performances at the Royal Albert Hall and collaboration with Mercury-nominated producer Charlie Andrew on her debut EP, AK Patterson is brings her hauntingly soulful voice to HowTheLightGetsIn. Her rich storytelling - spanning loneliness and heartbreak to her prison experience - and powerfully emotive delivery has earned her fans like Guy Garvey (Elbow) and is sure to leave you moved.
'The best new music I've heard' - Guy Garvey
Green Man Rising 2023’s crowned champions come with Bible-black parables, nursery rhymes and ballads. Expect to hear echoes of 60s Folk Revival, Americana, and Alternative Folk.
“Compelling progressive folk songs” – NME
Chosen as one of RTÉ's Rising Irish Stars and The Irish Times' breakthrough acts, County Kerry singer-songwriter Junior Brother is redefining Irish folk music. He's been nominated for RTÉ Radio 1's Best Folk Album and Choice Music Prize's Album of the Year.
"Makes mincemeat out of every other structured Irish songwriter you can think of." - The Irish Times
Former Portishead member and DJ Andy Smith has performed world wide. He comes to HowTheLightGetsIn as one half of Disco Wonderland - taking over the disco tent on Sunday night. Having travelled from Lisbon to Ibiza with his project he will be bringing summery sounds and party energy to close the festival with a BANG!
"There is a lot of excitement swirling around the Tara Clerkin Trio right now." (Loud and Quiet). After hearing their unique and mesmerising sound, which blends acid jazz, electronica and off-kilter psych-pop, it is easy to see why. One of the most innovative groups currently performing in the UK, the Tara Clerkin Trio have received great acclaim from the likes of The Wire, The Quietus and Pitchfork. They host a regular NTS radio show, are favourites of Gilles Peterson, and have played festivals from ReWire to End of the Road.
With support from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, singer-songwriter Ailsa Tully has created an ethereal world rooted in folk, tinged with indie, and grounded by lo-fi field recordings. Her lyrics are unflinchingly honest, rousing and poetic as she explores her experiences as a woman.
“Brimming with wonder and true beauty, ready to take you on a journey to wherever you might need to go next” – Gigwise
Multi-dimensional nine-piece spectaculars Mandrake Handshake perform a music they call ‘Flowerkraut’: a hedonistic, brain-frying feast of Krautrock, art-pop and psychedelia, spiced with enigmatic grooves and fearless improvisations. Filling stages from Shambala to Wilderness, they're reshaping the UK indie scene one entrancing show at a time!
Welsh party starters CWM RAG will be adding a large dash of queer anarchy and Valley's dazzle to HowTheLightGetsIn on Friday - kicking off the festival with a BANG! Expect high jinx and hedonism all night in the Disco Tent hosted and overseen by the delectable BooLaCroux...
Former frontman of The Correspondents and one of Britain’s most in-demand festival
acts, Mr Bruce creates a unique and unparalleled live experience. Lyrically candid yet flamboyant in delivery, the bendy-bodied performer’s solo show is nothing short of spectacular.
“Music grooves like a bastard” – Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music)
Staunch anti-traditionalists, Ebi Soda thrive on the idea of contradiction, seeming more inspired by the atmosphere inside a rave than the sounds heard inside a jazz club.
"Scorching a new jazz path." – Clash Music
Raz & Afla is the child of chart topping, multi-platinum producer Raz Olsher and Ghanaian master musician Alfa Sackey. Between them, they've collaborated with everyone from Gilles Peterson and Lemar to Ayanna Witter Johnson and Ginger Baker. Together, the duo create a captivating fusion of African rhythms and electronic beats, igniting dance floors across major festivals.
"Electrifying" - Wonderland Magazine
Trained opera singer turned alt-pop prodigy Paige Bea has made a huge splash on the UK music scene. Influenced by artists such as FKA Twigs, James Blake and Sampha, Paige has crafted a distinctive, high-energy style that has commanded the attention of BBC Radio 1 (Future Artists) and Spotify (Fresh Finds), and put her on the main stage of El Dorado last year.
"Darkly beautiful... nothing short of a marvel." - The Line of Best Fit
Formed at Trinity College Dublin, multi-instrumental Irish folk band The Lovely Good have already made splash on London's new music scene. They combine contemplative moments with cathartic swells of sound.
"Bringing together disparate sonic influences to form something strikingly new" - TrinityFM
Chosen by George Ezra to play on his stage at Latitude last year, and coming off the back of three sell-out headline shows, singer-songwriter Ella Clayton has evoked comparisons to Bon Iver and Adrienne Lenker.
Green Man Rising finalists Pushpin are one of the most exciting bands on London's new music scene. The charismatic showmen have been described as having the vocals of Mika, the sublime harmonies of Fleet Foxes, and the amphibious, compelling sound of Animal Collective.
"Brimming with energy and rhythmic momentum" - Apocalypse Music
Fran Lusty is an Indie-folk singer-songwriter born in Cambridge with Norwegian roots. She will rock you gently with soul-stirring nature inspired songs. Her songs have quickly gained traction, including features on BBC Introducing and her debut EP Ladybird draws from Damien Rice and Virginia Woolf.
Awarded ‘Song of the Year’ at the 2022 UK Americana Awards, rising songstress Lady Nade stands as one of the UK’s most distinctive voices. She performed with The Waterboys last year, and is regularly played by Mark Radcliffe on BBC Radio 2.
“Sublime” – The Guardian
Singer-songwriter Sophia Yau-Weeks was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Her latest release, a debut 3-song EP entitled "Without You," was produced with and engineered by Maryam Qudus (Toro y Moi, SASAMI, Alanis Morissette, Spacemoth) at Tiny Telephone Recording Studio in Oakland.
“Yau-Weeks meditates on everyday emotions surrounding relationships, love, and friendship through folky, homey jams.” - White Crate
Unapologetically complex and joyful, The Destroyers have been colliding world musics for nearly 20 years. Their behemothic sound is a chaotic cacophony of klezmer, Balkan and British folk.
Johanna Warren is an American multidisciplinary artist. As a musician she has released seven acclaimed solo albums, lent her voice to Netflix’s The Midnight Gospel, and recently composed music for a new adaptation of Euripides' The Bacchae. Also an avid forager and herbalist, at her live concerts she delights in creating intersectional healing spaces, often partnering with local herbalists and farmers to share their work with their communities.
Elusive "slacker-trad" folk duo Milkweed have developed a cult following off the back of their rare live performances. 2022’s Myths & Legends Of Wales interprets a 1988 book of the same name by Tony Roberts that they found in a Hertfordshire charity shop. Their new album, which blends traiditonal folk with a trip-hop infused sound, was named by the Guardian as the folk album of the month.
"Milkweed are making the most interesting, most unsettling, most wonderful folk music around." - TradFolk
Award-winning virtuoso guitarist and songwriter Danny Bradley has opened for Martin Carthy. Raised between the USA and the UK, Danny Bradley "is less a one man band, and more a one man orchestra... reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley". (Americana U.K.)
'virtuoso guitarist'. - The Daily Record
Established favourites Mr Tea and The Minions have played well over a hundred UK festivals, including Glastonbury, Boomtown, WOMAD, Beautiful Days, Secret Garden Party, Belladrum, Nozstock, Northside (Denmark) and Goulash (Croatia). Drawing on Balkan, Ska, Folk and Rock influences, and led by Elle’s powerful vocals and Lucy’s vibrant folk fiddle, the band have built a reputation for extravagantly colourful, theatrical live performances.
“A bouncing set. It’s impossible not to get involved.” The Independent
Hertfordshire folk rock four-piece The Hanging Bandits hit YouTube fame last year with their viral ode to Mick Lynch. Forging a unique style that draws on influences from Lankum to The Jam, their lyrical, grungy folk is focused around working class life and themes of friendship.
“a happy, catchy sound… we grew fond of them very quickly” – Folking Hell
Flamboyant and multi-instrumental, a string of shows in London and Manchester have marked out Truthpaste as ones to watch.
"Like nothing I’ve witnessed before… Superb energy." - FuseFM
FiddleBop play "Gypsy jazz re-imagined" on violin, Spanish guitar, keyboard, and fretless bass, and with four voices in harmony. They "transform gypsy jazz stylings into a welcome hamper of swing" - Buzz Magazine
Outstanding local Welsh-language choir Cantorion y Gelli are joining for their debut HowTheLightGetsIn performance! Led by Gemma Woolford, the powerful choristers secured second place in their category of the National Eisteddfod last year.
Each year the wonderfully magical Blaenavon Male Voice Choir close the festival, and there’s never a dry eye – or spare inch – in the house. Founded over a century ago in 1910, the premier Welsh choir is still going strong, and has toured across the world. Prepare to be moved.
‘Show stopping’ – LA Times
DJ Max Galactic brings his party-starting disco back to HowTheLightGetsIn. With showcases from Hay Pride alongside his iconic disco tunes, grab your gang and get ready to dance the night away!
As one of the last touring festival stages in Britain, The Peoples Front Room curates a lineup of incredible performers throughout the entire festival weekend. Regulars at Shambala, Glastonbury, Boomtown, Secret Garden Party and many more besides its not quite a festival without them!
Join fellow festival goers in song, around the warmth of the wood fire, and enjoy watching the night fall after a day full of ideas. Hosted by indie folk duo Revue and friends, with music by performers from the Blue Moon lineup plus some special guests.
The Blue Moon brings together a showcase of the best indie talent from Herefordshire and beyond. From heart wrenching folk to experimental electoric relax in the plush tent for magical musical experience.
BBC Introucing: Hereford & Worcester bring a showcase of the most exciting local up and coming talent to HowTheLightGetsIn. Expect vibrant groups and soulful songstresses filling the afternoon.
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