About

HowTheLightGetsIn is a unique festival combining big ideas, philosophy, music, comedy, debate and performance held each year in the scenic market town of Hay-on-Wye, Wales — either alongside or overlapping with the famous Hay Festival of literature and ideas.

In 2026, HowTheLightGetsIn runs from 22nd–25th May, bringing together leading thinkers, philosophers, scientists, writers, musicians and comedians for a long weekend of talks, debates, music performances and cultural events.

The festival is organised by the Institute of Art and Ideas (IAI) and is renowned as the world’s largest philosophy and music festival. Over the weekend, there are hundreds of events across multiple outdoor and indoor venues in and around Hay-on-Wye. These include stimulating debates and lectures on topics such as politics, society and science, alongside live music, DJ sets, comedy shows and late-night gatherings that create a lively festival atmosphere.

The setting of the festival — along the River Wye and at spaces close to the Black Mountains — adds to the experience, combining thoughtful conversation with live cultural performances in the beautiful Welsh countryside.