Howthelightgetsin announces their full programme for their 10th anniversary year which will be taking place in Hay-On-Wye, the 24th-27th of May. The programme is made up of over 300 events including debates and talks, live music, comedy, arts, ideas & culture, wellbeing, film, parties, and so much more. Enjoy electrifying live performances from Anna Calvi, British Sea Power, Donovan, Zero 7 and many more.
Mathematical physicist and Stephen Hawking collaborator Roger Penrose puts forward his theory for why 95% of the universe is missing, Maxwell prize-winning physicist John Ellis explains weird physics and parallel universes and bestselling philosopher Julian Baggini asks: are you an illusion? and Ab Fab star Helen Lederer questions what it’s all for.
Described as “Europe’s answer to TED” (Total Politics), HowTheLightGetsIn is renowned for its unrivalled line-up of debates and talks. Attracting the world’s leading thinkers, this year’s festival will feature prize-winning scientists alongside Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet ministers, Man Booker Prize nominees, award-winning journalists, academics and leading public figures going head-to-head on the biggest issues affecting the world today.
HowTheLightGetsIn is set in a magical riverside location on the edge of the Black Mountains, in the famed book town of Hay. By day, this glorious stretch of the river Wye is host to thought-provoking debates and talks. In the evening, the site transforms into a party like no other, with the hottest bands, edgiest comedians and unforgettable DJ sets.
The theme is Tribal Truths and New Wisdom, which will examine the key conflicts and underlying disagreements of our increasingly polarised political sphere, alongside a fascinating programme of arts, science and philosophy debates – from the nature of the self to the mysteries of dark energy. Festival debates will span the global rise of populism to the future of feminism, sex to socialism, the Higgs Boson to the lure of evil – via mental health, tribal politics, the nature of time, and tech monopolies.
Experience intimate Open Platform dinners, where festivalgoers dine with headline speakers. Enjoy Wine-Tasting and Philosophy with Barry C. Smith, the philosopher of wine who brings tasting to life for connoisseurs and amateurs alike.
Debate headliners over afternoon tea at Tea, Cake and Philosophy sessions, or start the morning with a shot of inspiration and conversation with one of our speakers at Philosophy Breakfasts. Learn the art of How to Lose Successfully with CEO and bestselling author Tim Leberecht at an interactive workshop.
All this, plus candlelit Long Table banquets, freewheeling evening discussion at Philosophy Salons, nightly themed parties and wickedly subversive cabaret.
There is an award-winning selection of food and drink stalls, from wood-fired pizza and gourmet burgers to Thai street food and vegan tacos, from artisan cocktails to the Perrier-Jouet champagne bar.
Take a break from the mayhem at a lunchtime yoga session, or unwind with a massage. Enjoy HotDocs at the Cinema tent, specially curated from award-winning independent filmmakers and vintage rides with spectacular views of the Black Mountain.
Advance tickets for the full weekend are available from £144 and full weekend camping tickets start from £164. All students and under 25s are eligible for a 30% discount.
