FESTIVAL INFORMATION:

When is the festival?

HowTheLightGetsin Hay 2025 is running from 23^rd-26^th May 2025. Festival tickets will provide access to a huge range of events, including debates, talks, music, comedy, academy and late night parties.

When does the site open and close?

Our festival site will open at 3pm on Friday 23rd and close at 5pm on Monday 26th.

Where is the festival?

HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2025 is set in a magical location on the edge of the Black Mountains, alongside the river Wye in the famed book town of Hay. The site is located just off Newport Street, HR3 5BZ. It is about a 5 minute walk from the Globe at Hay, Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5BG.

Can children come to the festival?

Yes, and under 12s do not need a festival ticket to gain entry to the site.

Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

For full and in-depth information regarding our disability adjustments please refer our Disability Policy on the ‘INFO’ page

Can pets come to the festival?

No, pets are not permitted on the festival site. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), with prior agreement, can be brought onto site.

Are dogs allowed on site?

The festival recognises accredited guide dogs & assistance dogs which have been trained by a member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) or Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Please refer our Disability Policy on the ‘INFO’ page for the details regarding this.

Can I bring a campervan onto the campsite?

Unfortunately, due to licensing reasons and to ensure safe access to our festival pitches, we cannot allow vehicles on the campsite. This includes campervans.

How can I book parking?

Parking is available to book via our extras page.

TICKETS

How do I gain entry to the site?

To gain entry to HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2025, please use your unique confirmation code (HA__) found in your confirmation email. You will need to show this code to our team at the box office. You do not need to print your ticket nor do you receive physical tickets for our festival.

I'm having problems buying my ticket! Can you help?

If you're having any issues purchasing your ticket, please email enquiries@artandideas.org with the subject line 'Ticket Issue'. Please state the issue as well as your phone number and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

How do I apply my discount?

You can apply all discounts at checkout if you open 'Click here for offers/ insider codes'. Only one discount can be used per ticket. If you have a Friends Discount, you will need to enter your code at checkout. Student and under 25 tickets can be added to your basket on our festival passes page. Please note that discounts are only valid for HowTheLightGetsIn Festival Tickets.

I can no longer attend the festival, can I have a full refund?

Our terms and conditions, details of which you can find here, state that we cannot refund tickets.

ON SITE

Are food and drinks available at the festival?

Yes, we have a wide range of caterers on our festival site.

Am I allowed to bring my own food and drink in?

You are not allowed to bring in your own food and drink. For exceptional circumstance requests and queries regarding our food and drink policy, please email enquiries@artandideas.org

What facilities are available on-site (restrooms, first aid, etc.)?

We provide a wide range of on-site facilities, including toilets, water stations, food vans, first aid, merchandise stalls, charity stalls, bars and food vendors.

What is the festival’s policy on prohibited items?

We have a strict no-drug policy on site and will not tolerate any use. We do not allow alcohol to be brought onto site and will be confiscated on entry.

Is there a lost and found?

You can retrieve any lost property at our box office.

Info

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