HowTheLightGetsIn

Set on the edge of the Black Mountains, alongside the Wye in the famed book town of Hay, HowTheLightGetsIn occupies a magical location. But that is the backdrop for the real magic to come.

"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 you can join a debate about the nature of the universe with the world's top scientists, laugh until your sides hurt with the UK's best comedians, dance by the river to the finest beats, dine with our speakers in Open Platform events or indulge yourself with six course long table banquets.

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. Discover the finest musical talent, discover ground-breaking ideas that have yet to make their mark, contribute yourself and your thoughts, and magic will come your way.