Festival Calendar UK

How The Light Gets In Festival (Hay-on-Wye)

Wales

Overview

How The Light Gets In Festival (Hay-on-Wye) is one of the world’s leading philosophy and music festivals, bringing together renowned thinkers, visionary academics, artists, and performers for a long weekend of ideas and culture. The programme features debates, talks, interviews, musical performances, comedy, and late-night events, all set against the riverside backdrop of Hay-on-Wye. With hundreds of sessions across multiple stages, the festival offers an immersive blend of intellectual exploration and creative entertainment in one of the UK’s most iconic literary towns.

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Location

How The Light Gets In Festival (Hay-on-Wye) takes place at The Globe at Hay & Wye Meadows, Wye End Road, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5BG, set alongside the River Wye on the edge of the Black Mountains. Hay-on-Wye is world-renowned as the UK’s “town of books”, and the festival site is positioned close to the Globe at Hay, with tents and venues spread across nearby meadows. Visitors enjoy a scenic riverside setting with easy access to the town’s cafés, shops, and independent bookshops.

Tickets

Basic Price Range:  £138 - £268

Students and under 25s receive 40 percent off, and under 12s go free.

Tickets to How The Light Gets In Festival (Hay-on-Wye) can be purchased from their Festival Passes Page.

Options include:

  • Festival Ticket
  • Festival Ticket + Camping
  • Festival Ticket + IAI Subscription
  • Festival Ticket + IAI Subscription + Camping
  • Under 12s gain free entry to the festival, and do not require a ticket.

Student Tickets

  • Student Festival Ticket
  • Student Festival Ticket + Camping
  • Student Festival Ticket + IAI Subscription
  • Student Festival Ticket + IAI Subscriptions + Camping

Upgrades and Extras:

These are found when going through the ticket booking process.

  • Breakfast
  • Parking

Important Ticket Information

Only purchase tickets from official sellers listed on the festival’s website. Most festivals do not allow ticket transfers between individuals, and resale is typically only permitted through official resale platforms (when available). Please review the festival’s official ticket terms and conditions before purchasing, as policies on refunds, exchanges, age restrictions, and entry requirements vary between events.

Accommodation

How The Light Gets In Festival (Hay-on-Wye)  offers both self-pitch camping and boutique glamping on its dedicated campsite near the festival grounds. Camping is not included with festival tickets and must be booked separately during the checkout process.

Campsite Options:

  • Self-Pitch Camping – Bring your own tent and equipment.
  • Pre-Pitched Tents – Arrive to a fully set-up tent, available in various sizes.
  • Boutique Yurts & Glamping – Luxury yurts and bell tents with beds, furnishings, lighting, and optional extras.

For full details on camping facilities, options, and pricing, visit the festival’s Camping Information page.

Important Notes:

  • Camping must be purchased separately.
  • No caravans or campervans are permitted on the campsite.
  • No pets allowed (except registered assistance animals).
  • No alcohol may be brought onto the festival site.

Packing Checklist:

Ensure you're fully prepared for your festival adventure with our Essential Packing Checklist.

Accessibility

How The Light Gets In Festival (Hay-on-Wye)  is committed to making their festival accessible for all attendees. For full and up-to-date information, visit their dedicated Accessibility Information page.

  • The site is primarily grass with limited hard-standing pathways.
  • Dedicated accessible toilet facilities are provided.
  • Free personal assistant/carer tickets are available for eligible attendees.
  • Accredited guide and assistance dogs are welcome (emotional support animals require pre-registration).
  • Attendees with access needs are encouraged to contact the festival team in advance at enquiries@artandideas.org.