"There is a crack in everything...that's how the light gets in", goes the Leonard Cohen song from which the festival gets its name. And HowTheLightGetsIn brings its own special form of magic to everyone. There is no other place on the planet where you can meet as many of the world's leading thinkers, discover the most cutting-edge ideas, and party and dance late into the night.

At HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2020 you could have joined a debate about the nature of the universe with the world's top scientists, laughed until your sides hurt with the UK's best comedians, danced by the river to the finest beats, dined with our speakers in Inner Circle events or indulged in sumptuous long table banquets.  And our Online Festival is set to bring just the same spirit and opportunity to explore and meet others.

HowTheLightGetsIn is not just another festival. There's something special in the air. It's alive with ideas in every field of endeavour. Our programme has many names you will recognise but HowTheLightGetsIn is not about status or celebrity. We are about ideas and wonder and creating a space where everyone's imagination can flourish. Find the bands you've never heard of, discover ground-breaking ideas that have yet to make their mark, contribute yourself and your thoughts, and magic will come your way.