While the main Festival gears up for its 25th year the fringe festival celebrates its 4th birthday and is bigger than ever.  Last year there were over 350 events, mixing leading thinkers with an eclectic music programme, this year the total is just short of 500.  HowtheLightGetsIn is a philosophy festival and music that takes place within walking distance of the main Hay Festival – to be fair Hay-on-Wye is no that big.  It is housed in and around the delightful Globe building near the town centre.  A small tented village appears that is more bohemian and left field than its older cousin.

Last year names like Philip Pullman, Vince Cable and Will Hutton were there.  This year Brian Eno, Nigel Lawson and David Aaronovitch are amongst the many appearing.  Though distinct and different there’s a definite cross over and many of the great minds at HTLGI have previously graced the pavilions of the official Hay Festival.   One suspects that they find it difficult to stay away from the town of books during the first week of June.