HowTheLightGetsIn

The world's largest philosophy & music festival combining leading thinkers, ground-breaking ideas, music and late night dancing. Spend your days meeting world-leading philosophers and scientists in debates about the nature of reality, then party and dance late into the night in this magical setting.

HowTheLightGetsIn returns in 2026, running 22-25 May at Hay-on-Wye, Powys. With a capacity of around 12,000, it sits at the more intimate end of the UK festival calendar. It is set up to work for families, so all ages are welcome.

Expect a deep-thinking, cultural, boutique feel. The world’s largest philosophy and music festival featuring debates, thinkers, comedy and eclectic live performances in Hay-on-Wye., Music, Comedy fans will feel right at home, with past lineups featuring Brian Greene, Slavoj Žižek, Jeremy Corbyn, Cornel West, Damian Lewis, Nerina Pallot.