The basics
A mind-bending blend of music and philosophy, where top thinkers and acts from around the world get equal billing
The festival
Making philosophy cool is a big ask, but somehow revolutionary intellectual festival HowTheLightGetsIn seems to have managed it. With outrageous parties in a converted church and across the festival site, some of the best comedians in the business, and brain-melting debates that make you re-evaluate everything from politics to the nature of reality itself, HowTheLightGetsIn is not pulling any punches. When it all gets too much, you can head to the Wellness Field for a well-earned massage, or indulge in some gourmet food from the onsite restaurant.
'Town of books’ Hay-on-Wye has become the UK’s epicentre of highbrow cultural action, and HowTheLightGetsIn has been at the forefront of bringing the young and edgy into the fold.
With more than 700 events on the go, and a huge variety of speakers and performers spread across 11 days (11 days!) it’s less a festival in the modern mould, and more a sustained bringing together of like-minded, free-thinking individuals – not that we want to burden HTLGI with any more existential considerations.
Holding up the music side of the bargain in 2015 were acts including Lianne La Havas, Rae Morris, Jamie Woon and Justin Robertson, while a collection of celebrity thinkers, writers, politicians and comedians handled the intellectual stuff. You can visit for either of the weekends, or splash out on the full 11-day extravaganza. And with this much going on, why would you want to miss a minute of it?
Our tip
Camp on the riverside and enjoy the tranquility of the River Wye, against the backdrop of the Black Mountains. For a luxury experience, stay in a Riverside yurt, complete with cosy furnishings and a comfortable bed.
Watch
Lineup
TBC
Getting there
How do I get there?
Travelling by Car: For satellite navigation to the Riverside site use HR3 5RS. Once you cross the bridge going in the direction of Clyro our site is sign posted imediately to your left.
Travelling by Train: The nearest railway station is Hereford, about twenty miles away.
Travelling by Coach: National Express run coaches to Hay from London Victoria, London Heathrow, Cirencester and Gloucester, Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham and Worcester.
Tickets
Pricing
Early bird prices are as follows (+ £10 if camping):
£54 for a Midweek Festival Ticket
£78 for a Finale Festival Ticket
£118 for a Bank Holiday Festival Ticket
£178 for a 3-in-1 Festival Ticket
When can I get them?
Tickets on sale now
Where can I get them?
Early bird tickets are available via the website.
More info
